The first race of the new Formula One season begins at Bahrain's Sakhir circuit at 1130 GMT.

BBC: SPORT | Motorsport | Formula One | Bahrain Grand Prix as it happened

He'll be fairly confident this weekend as he won in Sakhir last season, and was second fastest during Saturday's practice.

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Button took his boss to task about that during a television interview in the paddock at Sakhir, but on Monday softened his stance.

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The Bahraini government not only owns the Sakhir track, but it also invested millions to build the circuit before the first race there in 2004.

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Illustrating the ongoing strength of F1 despite the global financial troubles, 12 teams and 24 drivers will fill the grid for the first race at the Sakhir circuit.

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The weather is warm and sunny at the Sakhir circuit.

BBC: SPORT | Motorsport | Formula One | Bahrain Grand Prix as it happened

While the top teams prospered, the three new lineups, Virgin, Lotus and Hispania, struggled and will occupy the last six places on the 24-car grid for Sunday's 49-lap race at the Sakhir circuit.

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