MERCEDES-BENZ TAKEOVER CONFIRMED BY BRAWN

MERCEDES-BENZ have taken a 75.1 per cent share in Brawn GP, it was revealed on Monday, casting fresh doubt on Jenson Button's future.

Button's world championship success was powered by Mercedes engines and, although Ross Brawn is staying on as team principal, the team will now be known as Mercedes Grand Prix.

Mercedes-Benz Motorsport vice-president Norbert Haug will work with the F1 team and the engine team of Mercedes-Benz High Performance Engines.

As part of the deal, Mercedes' parent company Daimler AG relinquished their 40% stake in McLaren, but will remain their engine suppliers for the next six seasons.

A statement released on Brawn GP's website, www.brawngp.com, read:

"Mercedes-Benz will enter the Formula One World Championship with its own team, beginning with the 2010 season, and Daimler AG and McLaren Group will change their form of cooperation with effect as of 13 November 2009. This was announced by Daimler AG today.

"Daimler AG together with Aabar Investments PJSC will take over 75.1% of the Brawn GP team, with Daimler taking 45.1% and Aabar 30%. The rest of the 24.9% will remain with the current stakeholders."

The move could have ramifications for the out of contract Button, with Mercedes believed to favour an all-German partnership of Nico Rosberg and Nick Hiedfeld.

Such a move could see Button link up with Hamilton at McLaren and the 29-year-old from Frome, Somerset was believed to have toured McLaren's Woking factory last week.

Brawn, who has previously baulked at meeting Button's wage demands, was thrilled with the deal after forming Brawn GP following the withdrawal of Honda from the sport.

"We are honoured to be representing such a prestigious brand as Mercedes-Benz in Formula One next year and will be working together to do our best to reward their faith in our team," said Brawn.

"Brawn GP has been through an incredible journey over the last 12 months.

"From fighting for our survival to forging a strong relationship with Mercedes-Benz High Performance Engines, winning both the constructors and drivers world championships, and now accepting Daimler and Aabars offer to buy our team, which will secure its future."

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."

• BUTTON EXPLAINS McLAREN SWITCH

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