Force India Confirms Long-Term Mercedes Powertrain Agreement

Force India has confirmed that they will continue to be powered by Mercedes for the foreseeable future, after the Silverstone-based outfit struck a long-term deal with the German marque that will allow them to use a full Mercedes-Benz powertrain from 2014 onwards.

This will see Force India use Mercedes engines, gearboxes and hydraulics systems, as well as the marque’s energy recovery system. Force India has been powered by Mercedes since 2009, when the outfit switched to the German-marque from Ferrari power after their debut season in the sport in 2008. With the imminent change in engine regulations for the 2014 season, it was initially rumored that Force India would switch back to Ferrari power regarding they opted for Ferrari-backed driver Jules Bianchi for the 2013 season.

Instead they decided to sign returning German Formula 1 driver Adrian Sutil, who has since impressed many in his return season in the sport. Force India’s team principal and managing director, Dr. Vijay Mallya, believes this agreement for his outfit is the most significant in the history of his team. Already in 2013 the outfit has led several laps, and they will understandably be hoping that their continued partnership with Mercedes will see them remain a competitive force towards the front of the grid.

“Our new agreement with Mercedes-Benz for the coming years is the most significant in the history of Sahara Force India.” Explained Dr. Vijay Mallya, “With new powertrain regulations being introduced next year, I can’t think of a better partner to work with as Formula One enters a new and exciting era. The agreement gives us the long-term stability we require and will enable us to continue our journey towards the front of the Formula One grid.”

Despite finishing 2nd at the 2009 Belgian Grand Prix with Giancarlo Fisichella, Force India has since failed to finish on the podium in what has been a tough few years for the Silverstone-based outfit. In recent months they have enjoyed a resurgence in pace within the midfield, and their continued partnership with Mercedes in the future could well spark further competitiveness for the outfit.

Picture Copyright © Force India F1 Team

Marussia Yet To Sign Commercial Agreement With Bernie Ecclestone

Marussia have apparently yet to sign the commercial agreement with Formula 1’s Commercial Rights Holder, with only one week remaining until the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. F1 Supremo Bernie Ecclestone negotiates the commercial agreement with the varying teams, but Marussia have allegedly yet to sign.

The commercial rights deal entitles the eleven Formula 1 teams to a share of the sport’s revenues, and although an agreement has not yet been met between Mr. Ecclestone and Marussia, the Anglo-Russian outfit will still be able to partake during the season-opener in Melbourne. The major worry is largely for Bernie Ecclestone, who would theoretically be unable to film the Marussia cars out on track without the team’s signature on the agreement.

“It’s getting pretty close now,” explained Marussia’s team principal, John Booth to ESPN. “Nothing is signed yet, but it’s getting pretty close now. No [it’s not vital for Marussia ahead of Australia]. It’s vital for Bernie because he won’t be able to film us without it.”

The remaining ten teams’ on the grid have already signed the agreement, therefore permitting their cars to appear during the coverage of the opening race weekend in Australia. Should Marussia fail to sign the agreement prior to the Australian Grand Prix, Bernie’s FOM could find themselves in tight situation as they would be unable to broadcast images of Marussia until the agreement is signed.

Picture Copyright © Marussia F1 Team

Felipe Massa: “I’m Extremely Happy With This Agreement”

Felipe Massa is delighted with the new one-year contract extension which has recently been announced by the Scuderia, an agreement which will see the Brazilian driver remain with the Scuderia for one more season until the end of 2013. This has therefore ended ongoing speculation over his immediate future within the sport.

After months of speculation over his future with Ferrari, which as seen Felipe Massa yield slightly uncompetitive results in comparison to team-mate Fernando Alonso, the Scuderia have seen fit to extend the Brazilian’s contract at Maranello for a further year despite strong rumors that both Nico Hulkenberg and Paul di Resta were potential candidates to replace him.

“I’m extremely happy with this agreement,” enthused Felipe Massa, after confirmation of his contract extension with the Scuderia. “Ferrari is my sporting family and I’ve always raced in Formula 1 with engines built in Maranello: I can’t see myself at the wheel of a single-seater powered by other engines. I want to first of all thank president [Luca di] Montezemolo and Stefano Domenicali, who have put their faith in me and have always supported me, even at the most difficult times. Both of them, the team and every fan can be certain that I will do everything within my possibilities to help the Scuderia in reaching the goals it sets for itself every year.”

At the Japanese Grand Prix several weeks ago, Felipe Massa finally returned to the podium after a competitive 2nd place behind eventual race winner Sebastian Vettel. With Fernando Alonso retiring on the opening lap, this saw Massa bring home valuable points for the Maranello-based outfit as they strive to catch reigning Constructors’ Champions Red Bull. Last weekend in Korea, Massa continued his competitiveness with 4th, albeit after being issued team orders in the latter stages of the race ordering him to back-off and not overtake team-mate Fernando Alonso for 3rd.

Despite an uncompetitive start to the season for Felipe Massa, which saw him start 16th at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, Ferrari’s team principal Stefano Domenicali has expressed great satisfaction in signing Felipe Massa for another year alongside unarguably one of the most complete drivers in the sport, Fernando Alonso.

“We are happy to have lengthened the relationship with Felipe for one further year,” explained Stefano Domenicali, who hinted that Massa would stay with the team after the Korean Grand Prix. “He has been part of our family for more than 10 years and he has demonstrated, especially in this last part of the season, to be again competitive at the maximum levels, as is expected of every driver at the wheel of a Ferrari. We have always supported Felipe, even during the most difficult moments of his career, and we are certain of his worth and that he will be able to repay the faith that has again been put on him.”

This announcement has fueled further speculation that Ferrari could well be lining up Sebastian Vettel to replace Felipe Massa for the 2014 season, despite strong denial from both the Scuderia and Red Bull. This would once again see a race-winning German driving for Ferrari, but could the reigning World Champion remain a dominant factor in the sport alongside Fernando Alonso?

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