Brawn still hoping to keep champion Button

Button has been locked in contract talks with team chief Ross Brawn since winning the world title in Brazil last month.

Formula One world champion Jenson Button will be offered the chance to find his own lucrative sponsorship deals in an attempt to keep him at Brawn GP.

Button has been locked in contract talks with team chief Ross Brawn since winning the world title in Brazil last month and has so far been unable to agree a new deal.

The 29-year-old would like to stay with Brawn, but is seeking a contract worth over six million pounds (6.5 million euros) a year after taking a five million pounds (5.5 million euros) pay cut to help the team stay in business last year.

He has been linked with a move to McLaren, who are believed to want to pair the champion with 2008 winner Lewis Hamilton.

In a bid to end the stalemate, Brawn will allow Button more freedom to bring in big-money sponsorship and he told the Guardian - We can offer a higher proportion of driver freedom and that will probably be the route we will go.

- Jenson has some freedom for his own endorsements but has a commitment to meet our obligations. -