Jenson Button breaks lap record in Honda Civic Type R record

Former F1 World Champion Jenson Button has set a new lap record for a front-wheel drive production car at the Hungaroring GP circuit in Hungary.

Driving a Honda Civic Type R, he achieved a time of 2mins 10.19secs, breaking the old record held by the previous generation Type R.

The twisty, technical track holds a special significance for the NSX Super GT driver because it’s the site of his first F1 victory (with Honda), back in 2006.

“The first thing I noticed when I left the pit lane was how neutral the car was,” said Jenson.

“I come from a background that is not front-wheel drive focused, so it was very different for me but because the Type R is so well balanced it was instantly really enjoyable and more natural.

“The thing that surprised me most is how late you can brake with this car.

“The manual gearbox works really well, too. Most cars these days don’t come with manual boxes, so it’s nice to have that manual feel. You always feel a lot more connected to the car.”

Jenson record was the last of five set by Honda’s racing champions in the Civic Type R at tracks across Europe:

• WTCR driver Tiago Monteiro set a lap record of 2mins 01.84secs at Estoril circuit in Portugal
• BTCC legend Matt Neal set a lap record of 2mins 31.32secs at Silverstone in the UK
• Japense Super GT star, Betrand Baguette, set a record of 2mins 53.72secs at SpaFrancorchamps in Belgium
• WTCR driver, Esteban Guerrieri set a new 2mins 1.51secs lap at the MagnyCours GP circuit in France