I'm moving out of my comfort zone, says Button

LONDON - Formula One world champion Jenson Button explained the motivation for his move to McLaren on Thursday, saying he wanted to move out of his comfort zone to take on Lewis Hamilton in the same cars.

Speaking to Reuters Television a day after McLaren announced his move from Brawn on a multi-year deal, Button said he felt after winning the title last month he needed a fresh challenge.

"I've been very comfortable within that team and it is taking me outside of my comfort zone," he said of the move.

"But that's what excites me and that is a real challenge for me. That is a challenge I am definitely up for.

"It's going to be a challenge going to a team where Lewis has been for three years and where he's won the world championship," added the 29-year-old Briton, whose former team has now been taken over by Mercedes.

"But that's why I am doing it. I want to challenge myself, I want to challenge Lewis and that is so exciting for me.

"That's the reason why I am going, I'm not going because it's going to be easy, I'm going because its going to be tough."

Button said he had spoken to Ross Brawn, his former team principal, on Wednesday morning and explained the reasons for his decision.

"It's always disappointing to go your separate ways when you have been so close to someone who has really helped you to win a title," he said. "But I think he understood my reasons behind it and we will stay friends, I hope."