Force India, Mclaren Mercedes to Team Up in 2009

Talks have been underway between Force India and Mclaren Mercedes to negotiate a deal which would see the Force India cars powered by Mercedes engines, and Mclaren to provide technical support to the team.

This deal would increase Mercedes position in the sport, and keep Force India in the sport.

Currently Ferrari supply Force India with engines, as well as Toro Rosso. However, Force India are looking to split with the Italian team due to the various incidents, including two unsafe pit releases in the path of their cars, and Raikkonen's collision with Adrian Sutil in Monaco.

So what do Force India get out of this?

A reliable engine, which has currently had no retirements this season. They would also get technical support from the Woking team, including Engine management, and help with other items such as Gearboxes, and maybe even KERS. 

What do Mclaren get out of this?

Its not clear whether any money is involved in the deal, as Force India are looking to cut costs due to the current economic climate. So why would Mclaren and Mercedes supply them with engines, and support?

Its understood that Force India would give British driver, and current Mclaren protege, Paul Di Resta a drive in 2009. This would benefit Mclaren hugely, as Paul would gain experience with Force India, and then move to Mclaren in the future to partner Lewis Hamilton (maybe).

What have Mclaren-Mercedes said?

"Mclaren and Mercedes are convinced that the independent teams are of vital importance for F1—in fact they are the bedrock on which F1 has been built," said a spokesman.

"Therefore, should we be in a position to cooperate with an independent team and should such a cooperation make economic sense, we would be prepares to do so."

"Nothing has been decided yet, but we are engaged in various discussions and will inform the media of their outcome as soon as we are able to do so."

So, in 2009 we could see two teams powered by Mercedes engines, and two teams with Mclaren backing, and maybe another British driver.