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Jenson Button could be offered a lifeline by returning F1 giants Renault.

The 2009 champion is threatening to quit Woking over a £6million pay dispute as this season's McLaren debacle deepens.

A deal with the French car giants - the second most successful engine constructors in the sport’s history - would offer Button a route out of McLaren.

And he would get his wish to be driving a competitive car.

Renault are poised to buy ailing Lotus and establish their own ‘works’ team once again.

(Image: Clive Mason)

Renault have a long and prestigious F1 history before the problems that have followed Red Bull’s four years of domination. They powered Michael Schumacher, Fernando Alonso, Nigel Mansell and Damon Hill to championships.

Despite Red Bull’s long-running criticisms, they have finished on the podium four times in the last five races.

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On Monday, Renault signed a letter of intent that was put before London’s High Court to stop a legal action by the tax man that would have folded it under its current owners.

Bosses have already drawn up a shortlist of drivers they are keen on and Button is at the top of it. Renault advisor Alain Prost is known to be a fan of the British ace.

Button is locked in a contract dispute with McLaren boss Ron Dennis, who wants to cut the double-your-money £13m deal if he signs for 2016.

(Image: Charles Coates)

Button is refusing to budge and insisting he would rather quit McLaren than be taken advantage of again.

That is thought to cause an issue for the team, because sponsorship campaigns are being planned around the Englishman — including one launched on Monday.

And McLaren can no longer be certain Spanish teammate Fernando Alonso will stay for another year.

Renault already know Button intimately, as he drove under their colours in 2001-02.