DC - Button right to stay put

Button: Staying faithful

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David Coulthard has backed Jenson Button's decision to stay faithful to the Honda F1 team and their attempts to find a new buyer.

The outfit were placed up for sale last month after the Japanese manufacturer said they were pulling out of the sport because of the global economic downturn.

Team CEO Nick Fry said last week that they were considering "something in the region of a dozen" takeover offers, with the FIA confirming their entry for the 2009 World Championship on Monday.

Button has already confirmed his intention to stay put whilst a buyer is being sought, although the only team to have a race seat vacant ahead of the new season, Toro Rosso, are reportedly interested in securing his services.

However, Coulthard has backed Button's stance and reckons that the 28-year old should wait to learn Honda's fate rather than jump at the first opportunity that comes along.

"I'm not the team principal of Toro Rosso, but personally I think Jenson's desire to stay with the Brackley-based team is understandable," the newly retired Scot told autosport.com.

"He's seen the investment and development there, he's known, liked and trusted within that organisation and if he believes that team will be sold then it makes complete sense to stick with them while they go through that sales process because I'm sure he would be an asset in anyone's decision to buy that team.

"There will naturally be a point where he has to make a hard decision. I don't know when that point will be, but let's say it's the middle of February.

"He has to have a point in his mind where if that isn't likely to happen, the real risk of not being on the grid in 2009 has to be considered versus the opportunity to be out in a Toro Rosso for instance, who would appear to have a seat available."