Fuji with rife with rumours in the driver market when BBC's Chief F1 Writer Andrew Benson proposed that McLaren F1 driver Jenson Button could swap his McLaren overalls for Porsche for the 2015 FIA WEC season.
Since Mark Webber’s defection to sports cars this year, an array of theories ranging from Fernando Alonso to Audi and most recently Button’s supposed Porsche move have abounded. The latter most recently at Suzuka – just one week before the WEC round in Fuji.
Button is purportedly had offers from both Porsche and one other team, believed to be Nissan, for next year.
At Suzuka, the question was raised to Jenson directly, that he indeed already had in place an insurance policy with Porsche’s 919 Hybrid project. An assertion that Button deflected in his customary affable manner.
“That’s the first I’ve heard of it! It’s a good rumour to add to all the other rumours!" said Button under the watchful gaze of Ron Dennis.
"I aim to be racing here (at McLaren) next year. I’ve spent five years with this team and been through some really good times. The last couple of years have been difficult, but we’ve worked hard and I’d like to see all of that hard work come to something in the future.”
Mark Webber was tight-lipped on whether he had any knowledge of the move “I saw some comments from his (Jenson’s) manager”, but that would be brilliant”said Mark. “Obviously the guy knows how quick and challenging the cars are and it’s a category that quite a few people are starting to look at, because you’re not managing the pace like Formula One. F1’s still the pinnacle, but hooley dooley it’s getting some heat from other categories like sports cars!”
However, Porsche’s LMP1 vice-president, Fritz Enzinger, told the UK’s Autosport the Brit was not in discussions with team.
“I know Jenson from my time at BMW [Button began his F1 career in a BMW-engined Williams in 2000] and he is a good guy, but at the moment there is no contact,” Enzinger said, adding the team’s six current LMP1 drivers will remain for 2015 and noted that a potential third car for Le Mans would be campaigned by drivers from the GT squad.
Whilst having never driven sports-cars in serious competition, Button did participate in the Spa 24 Hours in 1999 in a Rafanelli entered BMW touring car alongside Tomas Enge and David Saelens.
It's also believed Porsche (according to Germany's Auto Bild) intend to enter a third car at Le Mans next year with F1 stars at the wheel. The report cited Nico Hulkenberg is on top of Porsche's wishlist. Hulkenberg tested at 911 GT3 R Hybrid for Porsche in 2010 as part of a promotion for the Nürburgring 24 hour.