Button issues Triathlon challenge

Formula 1 star Jenson Button is challenging his McLaren team-mates to down tools and race him - in the annual triathlon he organises.

The 2009 world champion driver is signing up his mechanics to take part in the challenge being staged in July for the third year.

Button is a keen athlete who has taken part in a number of triathlons over the years.

His charity event, raising money for Cancer Research UK, sees competitors taking part twice with a qualifying round and a final for the top performers - plus a "wooden spoon" event.

Button said: "I drive for the best team in the world and I have the most fantastic mechanics around me. I am challenging them to put down their spanners for one day to come and take me on in my triathlon on July 12.

"I may have actually signed some of them up for it already without them knowing - I am sure they will thank me for it."

He added: "I am very proud that the Jenson Button Trust will do its bit to raise as much money and awareness as possible."

The Jenson Button Trust Triathlon, at Luton Hoo in Bedfordshire, involves a preliminary heat with a 300m lake swim, 9km bike ride and 2.5km run. The final is a 750m swim, 15km bike ride, 5km run.

Visit www.jensonbutton.com/triathlon for further details.

By Press Association reporters