Jenson Button to partner Fernando Alonso at McLaren for 2015

Jenson Button has been confirmed as the partner for two-time Formula 1 world drivers' champion Fernando Alonso at McLaren for the 2015 season.

The 34 year old will compete in his 16th consecutive season in the sport after being retained ahead of 2014 teammate Kevin Magnussen, who will be the reserve and test driver next season.

"I am extremely excited to be embarking on my 16th year in Formula 1 and my sixth season for McLaren," the 2009 world champion said.

"I am also very glad that Kevin will remain part of the team. He is a very quick driver and a really nice guy.

"I am very much looking forward to having a driver as fast and as experienced as Fernando as my teammate. I am sure we will work extremely well together."

Button is joined by Alonso, following his switch from Ferrari after failing to win the championship in five seasons with the Italian giants.

The Spaniard returns to McLaren after a single season with the team in 2007, where he came to blows with then rookie Lewis Hamilton before eventually departing for Renault.

"I am joining this project with enormous enthusiasm and determination, knowing that it may require some time to achieve the results we are aiming for, which is no problem for me," the 33 year old said.

"Over the past year I have received several offers, some of them really tempting, given the current performance of some of the teams that showed interest.

"But, more than a year ago, McLaren-Honda contacted me and asked me to take part, in a very active way, in the return of their partnership – a partnership that dominated the Formula 1 scene for so long."