Mercedes extension ends Force India's McLaren F1 contract

Sahara Force India Factory near the Silverstone circuit

Force India has extended its engine deal with customer supplier Mercedes.

When the Silverstone based team was considering its 2013 driver lineup, many observers saw Adrian Sutil and Jules Bianchi's respective links to Mercedes and Ferrari as among the keys to Force India's final choice.

Ultimately, Force India signed the reportedly Mercedes-linked German Sutil.

On Thursday, the team said in a statement it has indeed extended its Mercedes deal for the "long-term", beginning with the start of the new turbo V6 era next year.

From 2014, this will include the supply of Mercedes' engine, energy recovery system, gearbox and hydraulics.

Force India began its relationship with Mercedes in 2009.

Currently, McLaren supplies Force India's gearbox and hydraulics. Reuters quoted a spokesman as saying McLaren's arrangement with Force India will end.

"Our new agreement with Mercedes-Benz for the coming years is the most significant in the history of Sahara Force India," said team boss Vijay Mallya.

McLaren's long-term relationship with Mercedes is in doubt, amid rumours the famous British team could pair with returning engine supplier Honda from 2015.

"It is a significant milestone to announce our first long-term agreement for powertrain supply under the 2014 regulations," said Mercedes' Toto Wolff on Thursday.

"We hope it will mean Mercedes-Benz and Sahara Force India working together for the entire life cycle of the new powertrain generation."

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