Force India has extended its engine deal with Mercedes-Benz from the 2014 season onward after signing a "long-term agreement".
Force India has been supplied by Mercedes-Benz since 2009 and has now confirmed it will extend that customer deal into the new turbo era starting next year. The new agreement will see Mercedes-Benz supply Sahara Force India with "a complete power unit", which includes the 1.6-litre turbo engine, energy recovery systems (ERS), transmission and all associated ancillary systems.
"Our new agreement with Mercedes-Benz for the coming years is the most significant in the history of Sahara Force India," team principal Vijay Mallya said. "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."
Mercedes-Benz currently supplies its factory team, Force India and McLaren with engines, but the McLaren deal is under threat from 2015 onwards with rumours the British team will switch to Honda power. Mercedes motorsport boss Toto Wolff said he was delighted to announce the deal with Force India going forwards.
"It is a significant milestone to announce our first long-term agreement for powertrain supply under the 2014 regulations. Sahara Force India was our first genuine customer in Formula One back in 2009 and we are delighted to enter an expanded, long-term relationship with them from 2014 onwards. This long-term agreement offers excellent value in terms of the balance between price and performance. We hope it will mean Mercedes-Benz and Sahara Force India working together for the entire life cycle of the new powertrain generation."
Source: En.espnf1.com
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