F1 / WEC – Jenson Button in discussions with Porsche?

According to the BBC, Jenson Button is in discussions with Porsche to drive the 919 Hybrid registered in WEC. Speculation over driver transfers is in full swing in F1 following the announcement of the departure of Sebastian Vettel, the four-time world champion being tipped to replace Fernando Alonso within the Team Ferrari, while the Asturian could return to McLaren. At 34, the 2009 world champion could therefore consider drawing a line under F1 and following in the footsteps of Mark Webber in Endurance with Porsche.

“The McLaren crew remains unknown, they don’t know where they stand, that’s pretty obvious”, declared Richard Goddard, the Briton's manager, to the BBC. “Every team that has a spot would love to have Jenson with them. He is still focused on F1 but he will only accept being in a top team. We are therefore always open to discussions. The WEC is a great discipline that is growing and Mark (Webber) has brought a lot. Jenson is an incredibly competitive driver who wants to ride. He's too good to be at the back of the F1 grid. Either he will have a car efficient, or he will look elsewhere. »

Alex Hitzinger, the technical director of Porsche Team, confirmed in issue 1978 of AUTOhebdo (p.52) that the Stuttgart manufacturer was considering fielding a third 919 Hybrid at the next 24 Hours of Le Mans. If the LMP1 will certainly not make the entire season, it could also be part of the 6 Hours of Spa (Belgium).