The long rumoured deal that will seeMercedes in partnership with an Abu Dhabi investment company take a 75%stake in Brawn GP has been confirmed. A move that will see the 2009constructors champions renamed as Mercedes Grand Prix.
Ross Brawn – who will remain as teamprincipal and Nick Fry will retain a stake of 24.9%. The remaining75.1% will be split between Mercedes (45.1%) and Abu Dhabi companyAabar Investments, (30%).
Furthermore, the German car maker's 40%stake in McLaren will be wound back by the end of 2011. AlthoughMcLaren have confirmed that it will continue to be powered by Mercedesengines at least until 2015 while fielding cars with the usual silverand red livery.
The deal will also have a strong effecton the drivers market. The German car maker has little interest inkeeping current drivers world champion Jenson Button at the wheel.Their interest is geared towards creating an all German team. It iswidely expected Nico Rosberg will occupy the team's number 1 spot withfellow countryman Nick Heidfeld to complete the line-up.
This of course leaves Jenson Button highand dry. But a recent visit to the McLaren factory with his managerRichard Goddard should be enough evidence as to where his intentionslie. Button is expected to double his £3.5 million salary at theBritish team and will drive alongside 2008 champion Lewis Hamilton.
It will be the first time two worldchampions have driven for the same team since Ayrton Senna and AlainProst were team-mates at McLaren in 1989. |
發表於 2009-11-17 12:56 PM
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