Zoom A very experienced driver suddenly on the market

Contracted Honda driver Jenson Button could flee the beleaguered team before the start of the 2009 season.

Although publicly committed to the Brackley-based outfit in the wake of Honda's Friday pullout, it is believed the 28-year-old driver is actually furious his loyalty to Honda has left him without a guaranteed race seat.

His management is understood to have demanded clarification as to the binding nature of his newly-penned contract, given the fact that the sole financier will no longer be involved.

Honda President Takeo Fukui on Friday apologised to Button, and admitted that talks will be instigated to "undo" the Briton's commitment to the F1 team.

Button may therefore be considering simply jumping ship rather than hanging around to see if the British-based team can find a buyer before the Australian Grand Prix in late March.

The Guardian newspaper reports that, amid the Honda news, Toro Rosso made an approach to Button as it seeks to finalise its driver lineup for next year.

Sources close to the Faenza-based team, run by Franz Tost who in 2000 worked with Button at BMW-powered Williams, said Button could be invited to test a Toro Rosso at Jerez next week.

© CAPSIS International
Source: GMM