25/01/2014
NEWS STORY
Ignoring the speculation over who might be his Team Principal this year, Jenson Button admits he is delighted by the return to the McLaren helm of Ron Dennis.
With speculation over Martin Whitmarsh's role at McLaren - or lack of it - already rife, his name seemingly airbrushed from history in a manner reminiscent of the politburo, the situation became ever more cloudy just a couple of hours before yesterday's 'unveiling' when, in a shock, move Gerard Lopez announced he was taking over Eric Boullier's role as Team Principal, barely thanking the Frenchman for his time, loyalty and effort in the process.
At a time when a new name seemingly entered the mix, alongside Sam Michael and Ross Brawn, Button was simply happen to welcome back the man that successfully steered the McLaren ship for so many years.
"I have spoken to Ron a lot over the last few days," he told reporters, "he is very excited about his role and he is very hungry.
"He's a true racer," her continued, "he's a true fighter and he really has built this team up over the years. It's good for the team, it's good for Ron that he has the chance to really drive this team on again. Everyone here is excited about the challenge of 2014 with him in charge."
It was obvious that the recent death of his father John, a familiar and popular face in the paddock, and the 2009 world champion's 'rock', would be raised however, understandably, Button didn't want to talk about, though he admitted he had considered taking some time out from the sport. As he comes to terms with his loss, the Englishman, like many of us who been through a similar loss, will instead throw himself into his work.
"There will be lots of things going through my mind when I settle myself into the cockpit for the first time in Jerez," he admitted.
"It is going to be a challenge for us all with the regulations but it is an exciting challenge and there is so much for us to learn still," he continued. "So I am looking forward to a year where I am going to put everything into this sport and leave nothing on the table. I am looking forward to getting on with it next week. I think every single person in Formula One is sitting on the edge of the unknown."
Chris Balfe