Japanese Grand Prix 2009 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Sebastian Vettel delivered a commanding victory at the Japanese Grand Prix from pole position, but the race's significance centered entirely on Jenson Button's championship-defining eighth-place finish that ended Rubens Barrichello's title challenge. The British driver's points-scoring result at Suzuka gave him an unassailable lead with two races remaining, securing the Drivers' Championship for both Button and Brawn GP in one of Formula 1's greatest underdog stories, while Barrichello's retirement from a collision handed his teammate the crown.

Vettel's pole lap of 1:32.160 showcased Red Bull's pace at the magnificent Suzuka circuit, and the young German controlled the race with clinical precision, leading home Jarno Trulli and Lewis Hamilton. But all eyes were on the championship battle unfolding behind them. Button drove with the composure and maturity of a seasoned champion, managing his tires and position expertly to secure the crucial points he needed. When Barrichello crashed out after contact with another car, Button's championship was confirmed - he had achieved what seemed impossible just nine months earlier when Honda withdrew from F1.

Hamilton completed the podium in third place after a strong drive, with Toyota's Trulli claiming an excellent second place in front of the Japanese fans. The moment Button crossed the line and learned his championship was won remains one of F1's most emotional - the British driver who had remained loyal through nine winless seasons, who had nearly lost his career when Honda withdrew, had become World Champion in the most remarkable of circumstances. His victory vindicated Ross Brawn's faith, rewarded the skeleton crew who had worked miracles on a shoestring budget, and proved that in Formula 1, talent, determination, and brilliant technical execution can overcome unlimited budgets. Button's title was confirmed at Suzuka, but the celebrations would wait for Brazil.