Motor racing-Brawn feted in home town victory parade

By Alan Baldwin

BRACKLEY, England, Nov 9 (Reuters) - Jenson Button was absent from his Formula One team's home town 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 told reporters 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.

Wrapped up in a thick overcoat on a cold and foggy afternoon, Brawn thanked the local community for their support through the dark days after previous owners Honda pulled out last December.

"It's fair to say that I've had some very special days in my career in motor racing and this is in the top of the list. It's fantastic," he said after team members were driven on three open-topped buses through the streets of Brackley to a presentation in the town square.

"I think it's just an amazing contrast we've been through this year, an amazing contrast the local community have been through.

"From the depths of despair over the winter to winning the world championship, I can't think of two greater contrasts; Such a low to such an incredible high," said Brawn.

"It seems to be a championship that's captured the public's imagination because of the circumstances behind it. It's been a wonderful journey."