Formula One news

'Mercedes not leaving F1'

Norbert Haug has stressed that Mercedes-Benz remains concentrated on Formula One despite a testing time at the start of 2009. Although the Brawn team has enjoyed massive success with the German manufacturer's engines, factory team McLaren has endured a tough time, scoring just eight points to Brawn's thirty-six.

"Some people have suggested that Mercedes is pulling out of F1," Haug said at Sakhir. "Well no, we are not pulling out," continued the company's vice president for motorsport. "I cannot say what is happening in the car industry in the next two, three, four or six months and whether the climate will get better or not, but if you sell more cars you certainly are in a better situation."

Although Mercedes entered their legendary championship-winning cars into F1 in the 1950's, their current collaboration with McLaren has lasted since 1995. "Currently, it is absolutely business as usual," Haug continued. "When I have been asked to guarantee that we will be here for five (more) years, that is not possible; the bigger picture is that, if we can find a set of rules - be it limits or a budget cap - and something that is feasible, then that will help."

He went on to state that the Formula One Teams' Association (FOTA) must ensure that a sufficient amount of effort is put into place in discussions with governing body the FIA regarding the ongoing financial issues in the sport, with a view to finding a sensible solution in the not too distant future.

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