10 replies to this topic

[D.M.N.]

http://www.forceindi...rtrain-supply-a

"Sahara Force India and Mercedes-Benz are delighted to announce the signature of a long-term agreement for the Silverstone-based team to use a full Mercedes-Benz powertrain from the 2014 season onwards.

The agreement will see Mercedes-Benz supply Sahara Force India with a complete Power Unit (Internal Combustion Engine plus Energy Recovery System), transmission and all associated ancillary systems under the new regulations for 2014.

Mercedes-Benz entered the era of customer engine supply in 2009 with the Silverstone-based team and this close working relationship is now in its fifth season. These historic links and the growing competitiveness of Sahara Force India helped pave the way for an expansion of the existing partnership to also include the supply of the gearbox and hydraulic systems."

[undersquare]

Ah, so is that a move away from the McLaren gearbox and therefore rear suspension? Where does that leave the McLaren/FI technical partnership I wonder.

[noikeee]

Only logical given McLaren's moving away from Mercedes sooner or later (2015 and Honda seems to be everyone's guess), so that would either force FI to change engine suppliers together with McLaren, or having McLaren supplying parts meant to integrate with another engine. Who knows whether Merc's parts and support can be as good as McLaren's (probably not), but what they may lose there they gain in integration and stability for the coming seasons.

The only surprising thing about this is that they actually seem to have the money for this move. Just a month ago or so they looked set to downgrade to Ferrari engines (yes, downgrade) and take Bianchi as a driver so they could get those engines even cheaper at a discount.

[vas04614]

@clubforce: Power Unit, Gearbox and hydraulic systems will be supplied by Mercedes-Benz to @clubforce from 2014 season onwards

[Timstr11]

Note that it's not just the engine like it is now.

It's Engine-ERS + Transmission.

Edited by Timstr11, 28 March 2013 - 12:05.

[benzine]

good stability for the team

[lustigson]

Good for the team. I updated the 2014 Silly Season list accordingly.

I wonder, too, if this deal is the cause or result of Force India not opting to put Jules Bianchi in the car. If at all, of course.

[JRizzle86]

Ah, so is that a move away from the McLaren gearbox and therefore rear suspension? Where does that leave the McLaren/FI technical partnership I wonder.

To be fair if McLaren and Honda are joining sides the transmission deal is useless to FI if they plan to continue with Merc.

[undersquare]

To be fair if McLaren and Honda are joining sides the transmission deal is useless to FI if they plan to continue with Merc.

Yes I agree. A little signal that the McLaren-Honda thing might be for real. But without the gearbox I'd imagine the whole Mac/FI technical partnership is ending, and it's been pretty good for FI. So I'm wondering if Merc will replace the whole partnership or just flog them the gearbox.

[aray]

good for FI...it will be a stable and fruitful partnership if they are in good financial position..

[onewingedangel]

Wonder what the McLaren staff stationed at Force India will do now - return to McLaren, get loaned to Marussia or choose to leave McLaren to stick with Force India.