MAY 30, 2013

Williams confirms long term Mercedes deal

Williams on Thursday announced a "long-term" engine deal with Mercedes, beginning in 2014.

The great British team is currently powered by Renault's V8 engine, but - as F1 switches to new regulations at the end of the season - the French marque is charging more than Mercedes and Ferrari for its turbo V6.

"Williams will continue to manufacture its own transmission," the team said in a statement.

"This new agreement provides Mercedes-Benz with the long-term stability of supplying our works team and at least two partners from the 2015 season onwards, following the conclusion of our relationship with McLaren at the end of next season," said Mercedes' engine managing director, Andy Cowell.

The other Mercedes-powered F1 team is Force India.

Sir Frank Williams said, "I'm delighted to announce our new association with Mercedes-Benz for the 2014 Formula One season and beyond. Mercedes-Benz has been one of the sport's most successful engine suppliers and we believe that they will have an extremely competitive engine package. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Renault for their continued hard work since we renewed our engine partnership at the beginning of the 2012 season. We have enjoyed a strong relationship that has resulted in much success over the years, including powering us to winning ways once again last year at the Spanish Grand Prix."

Claire Williams, Deputy Team Principal, said "The announcement of this partnership is exciting news for Williams. Securing the right engine supply partnership is a key milestone in the implementation of our strategy for long term success. We are also pleased to conclude this agreement early in the season and we very much look forward to working with Mercedes AMG HPP in developing our 2014 race car."

Andy Cowell, Managing Director of Mercedes AMG HPP said, "It is a very proud moment for everybody at Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains to announce the start of this new partnership with the Williams F1 Team. Williams is one of the sport's iconic names and we are very excited to be working together towards a successful future under the new regulations. A further positive is that this new agreement provides Mercedes-Benz with the long-term stability of supplying our works team and at least two partners from the 2015 season onwards, following the conclusion of our relationship with McLaren at the end of next season."

Toto Wolff, Executive Director of Mercedes GP said, "The proud heritage of Williams and the company's commitment to technological excellence make it a perfect long-term partner for Mercedes-Benz under the new powertrain regulations. It is a win-win situation for both HPP and Williams, which will ensure HPP is able to supply at least three teams on a long-term basis under the new regulations and could open interesting new perspectives for technology transfer. We look forward to enjoying much success together over the coming years."

(GMM)