As you may have read already on HondaRacingF1.com, Jenson Button has taken part in two triathlons so far in 2008. In our third pre-British GP Q&A he explains why he has put himself through such tough challenges this year.

The cockpit of a Formula One car is one of the harshest environments in sport. Temperatures regularly exceed 50 degrees and the drivers often pull 5G while braking and cornering.

Jenson understands the physical and psychological benefits that come with being as fit as possible, which is why he’s one of the best-prepared drivers on the grid. Ahead of each season he heads to Club La Santa on the island of Lanzarote for several intensive training camps, at which he cycles, runs, swims and weight trains.

This year, for the first time, he has combined all of those disciplines to contest in the demanding event of triathlon. In his first event, the Sevenoaks Sprint Triathlon (400m swim, 27km bike, 8km run), Jenson finished 16th out of 250 starters; in the second, the Windsor Triathlon which was Jenson’s first Olympic distance event (1500m swim, 43km bike, 10km run), he came home an impressive 117th out of 1700.

Why have you taken up triathlons?
“I like the pain and I like pushing my body to the limit. I also enjoy the fact that there’s nobody else involved. It’s just me on my own and if I’m not quick enough, then it’s solely down to me The Windsor triathlon earlier this month was a big event; there were a lot of spectators lining the route and it felt weird to hear people shouting my name because I’ve normally got a helmet on and can only hear the engine noise!.”

Which of the three triathlon disciplines is your strongest?
“At Windsor, I’d say the swim was my best. It was 1500m in the River Thames and at the end I was in 90th position out of the 1700 entrants. I’ve done a lot of swimming since I was a boy and one of the reasons I enjoy it is because it’s all about technique. I’ve developed my own style over the years, although I’m told that I still don’t roll enough in the water.”

What benefits do the triathlons give you in the cockpit?
“The main benefit from the multi-discipline triathlon event is overall fitness. The bike is particularly good because you build up lactic acid, which is what happens in the car, due to the vibrations. Swimming is good for upper body strength and I also work my neck while I’m in the water. Triathlons are competition, which is what F1’s all about, and knowing that I’m one of the fittest drivers on the grid makes me feel very strong psychologically.”