Button enjoys factory tour - at McLaren Saturday 14th November 2009 - PlanetF1.com Jenson Button's future remains in doubt with reports that the 2009 Formula One World Champion went on a tour of McLaren's factory in Woking. According to The Guardian, Button and his manager Richard Goddard were shown around the facility by McLaren boss Martin Whitmarsh. Button, who has stalled on signing a new deal with the Brawn GP team, could yet link up with Lewis Hamilton at McLaren. A spokesman for McLaren told newspaper: "Having just arrived at Heathrow, Jenson made a small detour to Woking to say hello." Goddard has been talking to Brawn about a new deal for 2010 but as yet nothing has been agreed. Goddard added: "As I've said many times before, Jenson wants to drive a car which is capable of winning the next World Championship. "We've been talking about possible terms for 2010 with Brawn for months and we're not being difficult or unreasonably expensive in our demands for Jenson. "In fact we've given up quite a lot of negotiating ground in our discussions with them. "I think it's also important that Jenson wants to feel valued in whatever situation he finds himself next season." However, Button is not the only potential McLaren driver who has visited Woking in recent weeks. Early this week, Kimi Raikkonen's management team went to McLaren's Technology Centre as guests of team boss Martin Whitmarsh.
I think Kimi will top it by signing a contract. Button's tour may have been as much about pressuring Brawn as it was about joining McLaren.
+1 Thats what happens when most drivers (men) get married!!........lets hope Jenson and Louis continue the bachelor lifestyle.
No, but it's safe to assume the price is the sticking point. Mclaren could go for a cheaper option, it's not a time to be wasting money.
Negotiations are negotiations. My only point is that we really have no idea what the team finances are. If they want Kimi they'll pay. The question is do they want him or are they using him as a stalking horse for negotiations with someone else?
The teams are in the drivers seat for driver pay. Its down across the team spectrum including Ferrari who are paying the drama boy FA less than Kimi and he(FA) has 2 WDC's. Its been shown a SUPERB car and a sound driver can with a title and no one should doubt JB's ability no matter his pay. He sold me on it in Brazil. Kimi and his team need to face simple fiscal reality. Pay is down and he isnt worth what he is asking. No matter the games being played, pay is down and the teams are in the drivers seat..so to speak. PS I forgot to add the on the title at the end when I posted this thread. I know Kimi is good.
The days of a zillions are well and truly over, whether Mclaren have the cash or not. I think the issue is more about Button, in which IMO if he stays with Brawn I don't see a issue with cash if Merc buy them out and I believe that will be the case. All this is just going through the motions and hot air, although kimi and co are probably out for the best they can get, he has had a great run in monetary terms it's rests with him. IMO Mclaren need someone that will keep Lewis on his toes and smiles at the cameras and does all the PR crap, whether that driver is out there is another matter.
The economics have indeed changed but I still think that if McLaren really wants someone they can and will pay. The question is do they want Kimi?
I think it's as much about value for money; do McLaren want Kimi? Yes. Do they want him at any cost? No. They've already got one world champion signed up and he's quite capable of winning more, so why break the bank to hire someone who's undoutedly fast, but whose motivation has been questioned in recent years? IMO McLaren would do well with someone like Heidfeld as number 2 to Lewis.
'top that kimi'. Please explain to me why someone has to tour the factory for the team he has driven at for 4 years?
I agree if Mclaren want a driver bad enough they will cough up yes, same as Ferrari. I'd say Mclaren want a cheap deal and hold the ace cards, however going up against a settled in Hamilton could make finding a good driver a touch harder. Kimi as I have said all along if he wants to race he can with some negotiation on what he thinks he is worth, right now his management look like chancers, if he doesn't like whats finally offered, what the hell he has enough to do whatever he wants for life, the world is his oyster. So to answer the question they don't want or need him that badly. The real question should be which is going to build the better car Brawn or Mclaren. New Rule interpretation masters Ross and Adrian N.
You think that having Lewis as #1 would discourage another driver from signing? IMHO Any first rate driver would love that seat. He gets a seat in one of (if not the) best cars and a chance to prove himself against Hamilton in equal cars.
Yes Dave honestly I do. I know what your saying but that's what I think, however a new young gun out to prove himself most certainly yes.
By first rate I mean hungry and fast. Someone without a WDC yet. Think Vettle not Kimi nor Jensen. Just like in the old west when you're looking to make your reputation you go gunnin' after the biggest and baddest
Button's management is probably trying to raise his value in the auctions, by making public contact with McLaren. Ross Brawn is probably realistic and knows how much he can afford on drivers' retainers this year.
Ahh well yes but IMO it's depends on the drivers real motives money or to be a winner in the team, that's why I think Button is making a mistake taking on Lewis, and it sends out a signal he is doing it for the money, taking on Rosberg at Brawn would be easier. taking on Lewis at Mclaren a bridge to far. I like your thinking though, Vettel and Hamilton would be another Alonso and Hamilton, and we know how that turned out..
Oh I was just having a bit of fun with it. I forgot the smiley face as I explained in an earlier post. It can be fun here sometimes....really! I promise to never try to have fun here again....good GAWWWWWWWWDD
http://planetf1.com/story/0,18954,3213_5699508,00.html Looks like they're reporting now that Button is going to agree to a three-year deal with McLaren.
