DC: Button right to stick with Honda

With Honda Racing presently in limbo after the parent company's decision to sell the team, the second Toro Rosso drive alongside Sebastien Buemi is the only definite space on the Formula One grid.

But so far Button has said he will remain loyal to the former Honda squad as efforts continue to rescue the team. He has a contract for the 2009 season, but the Honda company has indicated that he will be released from it if he wishes.

"I'm not the team principal of Toro Rosso, but personally I think Jenson's desire to stay with the Brackley-based team is understandable," said Coulthard at Autosport International.

"He's seen the investment and development there, he's known, liked and trusted within that organisation and if he believes that team will be sold then it makes complete sense to stick with them while they go through that sales process because I'm sure he would be an asset in anyone's decision to buy that team.

"There will naturally be a point where he has to make a hard decision. I don't know when that point will be, but let's say it's the middle of February. He has to have a point in his mind where if that isn't likely to happen, the real risk of not being on the grid in 2009 has to be considered versus the opportunity to be out in a Toro Rosso for instance, who would appear to have a seat available."

Coulthard doesn't think Button can afford to miss the 2009 season.

"I personally would not choose to sit out a year because if you are Alain Prost taking a year out when you've already won championships, or Niki Lauda retiring and being persuaded to come back, it was a different time and a different situation," Coulthard said.

"I think Formula One is so fast-moving today with so many talented young drivers that even if you're not running at the front, if you're getting more out of the package than people expected, then you're displaying your talent."

Coulthard believes Button remains an excellent prospect for any team looking for a driver.

"We already know Jenson is a winning Grand Prix driver, we already know he's an exceptional wet weather driver, fast in the dry, committed, fit, he's a good-looking boy so alright from a marketing point of view," he said. "So if you've got the desire to have a quick racing driver in the car, I think Jenson ticks all the boxes."