Anthony Davidson has revealed that he was in 'serious talks' with Honda to reclaim his place on the Formula 1 grid in 2009 – and admitted that the Japanese concern's decision to withdraw from the sport has left him 'in a very similar situation to what Jenson [Button] faces now'.

Davidson's F1 career ran aground when Honda satellite outfit Super Aguri was forced to close its doors following the 2008 Spanish Grand Prix back in April, after he had contested just 24 grands prix with a best finish of eleventh place.

The 29-year-old had waited more than five years to make his full-time debut in the top flight, but when he did he impressed by generally matching rapid team-mate Takuma Sato in terms of pace, and he has admitted that he was in advanced discussions with both Ross Brawn and Nick Fry with a view to return to the paddock this season.

“I was in serious talks of not only trying to get a race drive for the year with the team, but as the bare minimum getting a reserve drive,” Davidson explained.

“Talks were progressing really well. The deal was almost done with just a few weeks to spare before the announcement, and it now leaves me in a very similar situation to what Jenson faces now.”

Acknowledging that his chances of alternate employment in F1 in 2009 are now 'very slim', the Hemel Hempstead-born ace did confess that he would consider 'another professional drive' in a different category – albeit not, with its €2 million price tag, GP2.

“You should never give up,” he affirmed, “but I am a realist as well and I have learned that over the last year and the year before.

“Unfortunately GP2 survives on the paying driver, though. That pretty much puts that out the window.”