source Autosport
By Glenn Freeman Saturday, October 24th 2009, 09:14 GMT
McLaren LogoMcLaren is not interested in being part of a bidding war for any driver over the winter, according to Mercedes-Benz motorsport boss Norbert Haug.
Several high-profile drivers have been linked to the seat alongside Lewis Hamilton at the team next year, including Kimi Raikkonen, Nico Rosberg and even world champion Jenson Button.
But with teams like Toyota also understood to be chasing a top-line driver for its 2010 line-up, Haug says that McLaren will not consider any driver that is more interested in a big-money deal than race-winning car.
"Kimi is an option, but there are lots of options around," Haug told AUTOSPORT. "One thing is for sure though - guys who are out for money are not the right ones for us - whoever it may be.
"I won't name anyone, but we want to have full commitment from someone who is success-oriented, not someone saying 'I am a big name, pay me a lot of money and I will drive for you.'
"The team has to be convinced that a driver is hungry, motivated, focused, and that his first thought is not to get more money."
Haug believes that McLaren's form in the second half of the season proves that it will be a regular contender for wins again next year.
"We have shown our level of competitiveness - Lewis has scored race wins and podiums, and beaten the guys that have been going for the title this year," he added.
"It shows that we are going in the right direction. We have stabilised this year, and we have a seat to offer in a race-winning car. There are probably three, four, five teams maximum that can offer that."
