Brawn to confirm Merc, Rosberg and Heidfeld

Brawn GP are expected to confirm during the course of this week that Mercedes-Benz have bought a 75 percent stake in the Formula One team.

Rumours of Merc's pending buy-in have been making the rounds for a few months, however, neither the German manufacturer nor Brawn GP team boss Ross Brawn have been willing to confirm the reports.

Earlier this month, when asked about the rumours, Brawn said: "Mercedes is a very important part of our team and without the engine we would not have won the Championship.

"It was the best engine in Formula One and we have formed a great partnership together. We are looking at all opportunities for the future but it is too early to announce anything yet."

But, according to the Daily Mail, Brawn GP will 'be taken over by Mercedes this week' with the German carmaker having 'agreed to take a 75 percent stake in Brawn and rename the team after their own image.'

The newspaper alleges, though, that the deal will spell doom for Jenson Button's time at Brawn GP as the Championship winner will be passed over in favour of German drivers.

'Mercedes... appear underwhelmed by the prospect of signing Button and will instead unveil Nico Rosberg as their No 1, with Nick Heidfeld a contender to form an all-German alliance.'

Another party that will lose out in the deal is McLaren, who have had a long-standing relationship with Mercedes as their engine partner.

'Mercedes' buy-out of Brawn will have ramifications for McLaren, in whom they have a 40 per cent shareholding. They are expected to pay £300million to extricate themselves, although they will guarantee to supply engines for several more years.'

Meanwhile, former F1 commentator, James Allen, says Mercedes could in fact reveal the "future of Mercedes' engagement in Formula 1" later today.

Source: 'Brawn to confirm Merc, Rosberg and Heidfeld' - Planet-F1 News - from planet-f1.com