Brackley-based outfit or nothing in F1 for Button

Speaking to the press at the Race of Champions draw at Wembley yesterday, Jenson Button dropped a hint that it will be Honda Racing or nothing for him in Formula One next year. Earlier this month, Honda announced its immediate withdrawal from F1 and has been searching for a buyer for the Brackley-based outfit ever since.

Jenson Button said: "My way of thinking is that if this team does happen in 2009, we will be very strong. I'm sure there would be other options to race in F1, but very limited, because it's so late in the day. So it is a difficult decision to make.

"But at the moment I'm completely focused on working with the team to try to find someone to buy it. That has to be my best option for 2009. I'd rather not take a year out because I think that is bad for a racing driver, but that is always an option also.

"But my first aim is to race with the Brackley-based team, whatever they're called for next year."

Just like Nick Fry and Ross Brawn, Jenson Button is convinced that the car build by the team will be a front-runner and therefore he's convinced Honda will find a buyer soon. "Our new car is almost finished and we're working very, very hard on completing that and building a strong car for 2009. Then we've just got to hope that somebody comes along and realises what a good opportunity this is to buy a Formula One team in our position," the Briton continued.

"I'm pretty positive that we'll get a buyer, it's a great opportunity for anyone. The facilities we have are second to none, they really are. We have an amazing team principal in Ross Brawn and the factory is fighting very hard to race next season."