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Button: It's Honda team or nothing

Jenson Button has dropped a major hint that it is Honda Racing or nothing for him in Formula One next year, after vowing to stick with his team until their future is sorted out

The Briton has faced uncertainty about his 2009 prospects since Honda dropped the bombshell earlier this month that they were pulling out of the sport.

But Button, who recently signed a three-year contract extension, has made it clear that he has no intention of jumping ship and pushing for a race seat elsewhere. It means that if a buyer is not found, he risks being left on the sidelines for the 2009 season.

Speaking at the Race of Champions draw at Wembley on Saturday, Button said he had no qualms about his current course of action and that there is no rush from his side to get matters sorted out.

"It's obviously a very difficult decision," he said. "In a way, who does know the answer, what's the right thing to do? But I'm happy with staying where I am at the moment.

"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."

Although Honda's withdrawal means the team no longer have as much money to invest in pre-season development, Button still believes that if a buyer is found the outfit can be very competitive.

"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.

"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.

"If we are on the grid next year, we will be a much stronger team for it."

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