Ross Brawn 99% certain to keep Jenson Button

Ross Brawn is almost certain he will manage to retain the new world champion, Jenson Button, in his team for 2010. The negotiations are difficult and still ongoing.

Jenson Button is currently at the end of his contract and has been linked to several other teams, such as McLaren, but the British driver stated at the previous Grand Prix in Brazil his desire to stay with Brawn GP.

Ross Brawn also stated to the BBC this Sunday that he is determined to keep Jenson Button in the team. However, the Brawn GP director added that the outcome of the negotiations greatly depends on finding a balance between Jenson Button’s new salary demands and the team’s budget required to remain competitive next season.

«Jenson Button is obviously a great driver and for all the teams still with a seat to fill, he inevitably becomes a target,» said Ross Brawn. «We want Jenson Button to stay with the team and I think we will find a solution. Jenson Button has a contract with us, but of course, this contract, in terms of salary, is not worthy of a world champion and a team much stronger than it was 10 months ago.»

We are working with Jenson Button to find a balance between what we can afford to offer him and what feels fair for his status and future contribution. We are never 100% sure but I can say we are 99% certain (to keep him).

Ross Brawn added that the team and Jenson Button have agreed to try to reach an arrangement no later than two weeks after the end of the season. “It’s a bit difficult to go to Abu Dhabi because we want to continue to perform well, but the environment is not ideal,” explained Ross Brawn. “We have set the goal to conclude no later than two weeks after the end of the season. But it might happen sooner if we reach an agreement.”

As I said, we need to find a middle ground between what we can offer him and what we can afford considering all the things the team needs, insists Ross Brawn. We have a limited budget and resources, and we need to look at the best way to use them. It’s not about money going to shareholders but money being invested in the team and paying for the things we need to be competitive in the future.

“We maintain an excellent relationship with Jenson Button and he has done a fantastic job this year,” he adds. “We have had some difficulties in qualifying this season, but his performances in races have been exemplary. I think things can only move forward with Jenson Button.”