Button returns home to rapturous welcome

(GETTY IMAGES)

Jenson Button said today that he would enjoy the feeling of being the world Formula One champion for "many more days" as he arrived on British soil to a rapturous welcome.

Hundreds of fans at the Bluewater Shopping Centre in Kent greeted the 29-year-old two days after he kept the crown British, following Lewis Hamilton's triumph last year.

He told reporters: "This weekend has been pretty special for myself and for everyone that has been involved in my career since the beginning.

"This is what I wanted to achieve in my career. I wanted to become a world champion in Formula One and 21 years I have spent in racing with that goal in mind. I have been able to achieve that."

He said he and his Brawn team-mates had a "fantastic" weekend but his celebrations were muted, with him spending only around 30 minutes partying.

"That was enough for me and I headed back and sat on my bed and thought about what I've achieved over the weekend - a bit of me time, which was really nice," said Button.

He added: "The world championship is a great feeling and I will enjoy that feeling for many more days. After that, life goes on and I will want to achieve greater things, and that will be my aim."