Thursday, September 2, 2010

Jenson Button looks set for a move to McLaren as expected after Mercedes bought out Formula One world champions Brawn GP.

The team will now be rebranded Mercedes GP after the German car giant took a 75 per cent stake in Ross Brawn’s team.

Team principal Brawn, who took over the British-based outfit after former owners Honda quit at the end of 2008, will remain in his role.

Brawn masterminded the team’s spectacular rise to claim both the constructors and drivers’ world titles. But despite the superb 2009 season, the future of his drivers is uncertain.

Button has already visited McLaren’s base in England, and could be tempted to form a dream team with compatriot Lewis Hamilton. And that move looks closer with Mercedes expected to plump for Nico Rosberg as their number one driver.

That signing would be popular in Germany, and rumours suggest countryman Nick Heidfeld will be his likely partner.

Neither has been confirmed although Mercedes Sports boss Norbert Haug earlier revealed he was attempting to secure BMW’s Heidfeld.

“We are speaking with Nick Heidfeld as well,” Haug said. “Mercedes-Benz supports the idea of signing an experienced and capable German driver.

There is no reason to finalise the driver situation too hastily.”

Meanwhile, Fernando Alonso believes his team-up with Ferrari and Felipe Massa could make the real ‘dream team’ next season.

The two-time world champion was lapping up the atmosphere as he met his new team-mates in Valencia for the first time.

The 28-year-old said: “It is a very important day to me, a very happy one, the first day I could enjoy all the atmosphere and all of what the Ferrari world means.

“In 2010 I hope to fight for the world title together with Felipe and hope that all the fans can be proud of us.”