Button signs multi-year contract with McLaren

Oct 5, 2011, 10:24 GMT

London - Formula One team McLaren said on Wednesday that they had re-signed the 2009 world champion Jenson Button to a multi-year contract.

In a statement the team said they regarded the signing as a 'move that will strengthen McLaren's long-term stability as it continues to grow and develop its race-winning form into further world championship successes.'

Button, who joined McLaren at the start of the 2010 season, is currently second in the drivers' standings on 185 points - 124 points behind world champion Sebastian Vettel.

''I have never felt more at home at a team than I do at McLaren. I won four of the greatest races of my life here and I feel that I am driving better than ever.

'You can only achieve that with the right level of support - and I truly believe that the passion and determination to win are stronger here at McLaren than anywhere else.

'I have made no secret of my ambition to continue winning races and world championships, and I fully believe this is the place where I can achieve those aims.'

Button's team-mate Lewis Hamilton said that he was pleased that Button had decided to stay with the team. 'Jenson has been a great person to work with, and a genuine team-player, from the moment we welcomed him on board.

'Jenson and I are as hungry and as ambitious as ever to win races and world championships in the future.'

McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh welcomed Button's decision. 'Jenson is a great driver and a great guy. He is one of the most capable and respected drivers we have ever had, and I'm therefore absolutely delighted that he'll continue to work with us into the future.'