McLaren denies imminent 2016 driver announcement

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Reports in the Italian media have surfaced in the last 24 hours claiming that Jenson Button will be replaced next year by McLaren supported and current GP2 leader Stoffel Vandoorne, adding that the line-up would be officially announced at the upcoming Belgian Grand Prix.

McLaren however have denied the allegations, a spokesman telling Pitpass.com the reports were not only inaccurate, but that no driver announcement would be made by the team at Spa.

"On the contrary," said the spokesman, "we will discuss and announce our 2016 driver line-up when the time is right."

While the idea of promoting the highly talented Vandoorne to a full-time race seat is hardly far-fetched, McLaren has yet to decide whether to exercise the option the team holds over Button's services for 2016.

There is also the case of reserve driver Kevin Magnussen, who may still be waiting in the wings for an opportunity to resume his career with the Woking squad. In any case, McLaren is spoilt for choice.

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