>> ASIAONE / MOTORING / MOTORWORLD / STORY
Tue, Nov 17, 2009
Reuters
Button agrees terms with McLaren

LONDON, Nov 17 (Reuters) - Formula One world champion Jenson Button has agreed terms on a three-year deal with McLaren and could sign a contract within days, Britain's Guardian newspaper reported on Tuesday.

There was no immediate comment from the Woking-based team or the driver's management.

The newspaper's long-standing Formula One reporter Alan Henry, who has close connections with McLaren, said the deal would be worth 6 million pounds (S$13.9 million) a year to 29-year-old Button.

If the deal goes through, Button would almost double his current salary and partner compatriot Lewis Hamilton in all-British line-up of champions at the Mercedes-powered team.

He won the championship with Brawn this year, with that team becoming Mercedes Grand Prix next season after a takeover was announced on Monday.

Button was given a guided tour of the McLaren factory last Friday.

Brawn chief executive Nick Fry said on Monday that he hoped a deal could still be done with the driver but made clear that the Mercedes' takeover did not mean the team would now throw more money at him.

"We've had discussions with Jenson which we think are a sensible salary and this is not going to change anything in that respect," he told BBC radio.

"I hope Jenson will be with us next season, we've worked together for a good few years now and succeeded in winning a world championship together," he added.

"We want Jenson to be with us but we have to recognise that Formula One is not divorced from the rest of the world. We work within a budget and if we spend the money in one area, we can't spend it in another."

 

 
STORY INDEX
 
  Button agrees terms with McLaren
   
 
  Is Button-Hamilton 'DreamTeam' on the cards?
   
 
  Mercedes buy Brawn, Button set for McLaren
   
 
  Touched by a champion
   
 
  Challenging times
   
 
  US F1 paid over $600,000 as F1 entry fee
   
 
  Italian Bortolotti to test for Toro Rosso
   
 
  Indian driver for F1 next year?
   
 
  De la Rosa needs money to get Campos F1 drive
   
 
  Brawn hints at Button personal sponsorship deal
   
>> RELATED STORY
US F1 paid over $600,000 as F1 entry fee
Italian Bortolotti to test for Toro Rosso
Indian driver for F1 next year?
De la Rosa needs money to get Campos F1 drive
Briatore seeks $2.1 million in damages

Elsewhere in AsiaOne...

News: Formula One: Barichello and Hulkenberg sign up for Williams

Travel: Hotels see lukewarm F1 bookings

Digital: Canon deal with Brawn in a snap

Business: Formula One is not just for the big boys

 

We welcome contributions, comments and tips.
a1motor@sph.com.sg