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Button poised for McLaren switch
16 November 2009
McLaren has fuelled speculation that Jenson Button could be set to shift to the team by admitting the world champion paid a visit to its Woking headquarters.
Button has so far failed to reach an agreement with the Brawn GP team, although the Briton insists he would like to carry on leading the team next season.
On Friday, McLaren told the Guardian newspaper that Button had been to the factory for “a quick hello”, which has led many to believe that he will team up with Lewis Hamilton to form a 'British super-team' in 2010. Team principal Martin Whitmarsh reportedly gave Button a guided tour of the McLaren Technology Centre on his visit.
Button’s manager, Richard Goddard, told the same newspaper that his man was looking at all viable options for 2010 and had yet to commit himself to any deal.
“As I've said many times before, Jenson wants to drive a car which is capable of winning the next world championship,” he said.
“We've been talking about possible terms for 2010 with Brawn for months and we're not being difficult or unreasonably expensive in our demands for Jenson. In fact, we've given up quite a lot of negotiating ground in our discussions with them.
“I think it's also important that Jenson wants to feel valued in whatever situation he finds himself next season," Goddard added. "He needs to explore all the feasible options.”
Salary is believed to be the main stumbling block for Button and Brawn next season and this is unlikely to be a problem at McLaren. The Woking team has long been linked with a move for Kimi Raikkonen, but a deal with the Finn has yet to be reached.
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