BUTTON SEES THE LIGHT; GRAND PRIX: Jenson hones night sights.

Byline: Frank Haynes 

JENSON BUTTON is hoping hours spent in a special simulator will hone his night vision and help strengthen his grip on the Formula One world title.

Although the English ace revelled in the spectacle provided by Singapore's night-race debut last year the bumpy Marina Bay circuit was not one that played to his driving style or strengths, forcing him to settle for a ninth-place finish.

Now, ahead of this weekend's race under lights, Button is determined not to be found wanting again particularly with team-mate Rubens Barrichello hot on his heels.

The Brawn GP duo are separated by just 14 points with four Grands Prix to go in the wake of the Brazilian winning two of the last three races.

But the British driver believes his work in the simulator will ensure he stays ahead of Barrichello this weekend. He said: "Driving under the lights was great fun last year. It was an amazing experience.

"The visibility was pretty good although some corners, such as turns one and five, were a bit dark and that made it more difficult to judge your braking distances.

"The circuit is pretty challenging and although it has a stop-start layout, which isn't usually my favourite type of track, I still enjoyed driving it.

"I have now spent time at the factory, driving the circuit on our simulator which helps with track layout, gears and downforce levels.

"So we are well prepared and looking forward to getting the race under way."

Barrichello is the man in form, taking 22 points to Button's 10 at the last three races.

The 37-year-old Brazilian said: "I've had a great time over the last month with two victories so I've got good momentum going into the final four races.

"I'm really looking forward to Singapore. I enjoyed it. It felt like a proper street circuit should feel with public roads, bumps, barriers and also passing some of the famous landmarks.

"It's very narrow in places and you can feel quite enclosed, particularly with the bright floodlights shining down. It's also a very slow track, and with so many corners you have to maintain your concentration at all times."

Although Red Bull duo Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber are still in the title hunt the fact they are 26 and 28.5 points adrift would suggest their chances of glory are all but gone.

With Brawn GP boss Ross Brawn confirming a major upgrade on his team's cars for this weekend there is every chance their hopes will finally be killed off.

Brawn said: "We have a significant aerodynamic upgrade It should bring another step up in performance for the final races."

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SIM CITY PRACTISE: Button CIRCUIT CITY: The Marina Bay track in Singapore provides a fantastic spectacle