Brawn backs Button to return next season

BRACKLEY, England: Jenson Button was absent from his Formula One team's hometown victory parade on Monday but Ross Brawn calmed fears the champion might have gone for good.

"I can give you 99 percent on Jenson Button," the team principal said when asked about Brawn's chances of retaining the 29-year-old Briton next season, repeating a percentage he gave last month.

Brawn have yet to confirm their 2010 lineup, with Button seeking a better deal and Brazilian veteran Rubens Barrichello moving to Williams in what is likely to be a straight swap for Germany's Nico Rosberg.