Mercedes-Benz to take over Brawn

16/11/2009 - 11:45:28
Mercedes-Benz have announced they are taking over the Brawn GP Formula One team, according to reports in Germany.

The move was confirmed during a conference call by Dieter Zetsche, head of the board of management of Mercedes-Benz parent Daimler.

"We can line up next season with a Mercedes-Benz team," the Frankfurter Allgemeine newspaper quoted Zetsche as saying.

Mercedes engines powered Brawn’s Jenson Button to the world championship in the recently-completed season while the team also claimed the constructors’ championship.

They are now set to increase their involvement while Button has been strongly linked with a move to McLaren to team up with fellow Briton Hamilton.

Mercedes are reportedly going to take a 75% controlling interest in Brawn, although they will continue to be the engine supplier to McLaren.

Team principal Ross Brawn is expected to remain in his role, however, the future of his drivers is more uncertain.

The new Mercedes-Brawn team are tipped to plump for Nico Rosberg as their number one driver – a move that would be popular in Germany – with his countryman Nick Heidfeld his likely partner.

Neither driver has been confirmed although yesterday Mercedes Sports boss Norbert Haug revealed he was attempting to secure Heidfeld, who has driven for BMW since 2006.

“We are speaking with Nick Heidfeld as well,” Haug told DPA.

“Mercedes-Benz supports the idea of signing an experienced and capable German driver. There is however no reason to finalise the driver situation too hastily.”

Mercedes will continue to supply engines to McLaren from next season until 2015, with the option of a further extension.

McLaren executive chairman Ron Dennis said in a statement on the team’s website, www.mclaren.com: “This is a win-win situation, for both McLaren and Daimler.

“Because the engines they produce are very competitive, we’re delighted that Mercedes-Benz has committed to continue not only as an engine supplier but also as a partner of ours until 2015 – and perhaps thereafter.

“The next few years will be a very exciting time for McLaren, during which period we intend to become an ever-stronger technological and economic force.”