Motor Sport:Jenson Button's projected move to McLaren appears to have taken another step towards completion amid reports the Briton is set to be confirmed at the team this afternoon.
It has been reported the world champion has signed to drive alongside Lewis Hamilton in an all-English line-up at the team from next season.
When contacted, a McLaren spokesman refused to confirm or deny the speculation that an announcement was imminent. The anticipated deal comes after Kimi Raikkonen’s manager revealed the Finn had failed to agree terms with McLaren and would take a sabbatical from the sport in 2010.
Button has been heavily linked with McLaren since capturing his maiden drivers’ title in Brazil last month, after talks stalled over a new deal with current employers Brawn GP.
Monday’s announcement that Mercedes-Benz had secured a controlling interest in the Brawn team only served to intensify speculation over where the 29-year-old will be driving next season.
Button and his manager Richard Goddard were shown around McLaren's Woking headquarters by team principal Martin Whitmarsh last week and, according to yesterday's Guardiannewspaper, Button has agreed terms on a three-year deal almost €20 million.
Kimi Raikkonen will take a sabbatical from the sport next year after his talks with McLaren about a possible return broke down.
The 2007 world champion had been in discussions with McLaren after being released a year early from his contract with Ferrari, the Scuderia having signed Fernando Alonso to partner Felipe Massa from next season.
McLaren, for whom Raikkonen contested 88 grands prix between 2002 and 2006, were viewed as the 30-year-old’s sole option to stay in the sport next season but his manager Steve Robertson revealed last night the negotiations have come to nothing.
Speaking to Finland's Turun Sanomatnewspaper, Robertson said: "The options in F1 were with McLaren next season or not at all.
“Kimi and McLaren were unable to reach an agreement, so he will not drive at the F1 level - at least not next year. Kimi still exudes passion. A gap year does not mean anything in that respect. He is more interested in fighting for wins and the world championship.
“F1 will miss Kimi. He worked hard over the summer - doing things in a Ferrari that only the best drivers are capable of.”