Grapevine: Mercedes coy on McLaren share report

A report in German magazine Auto Motor und Sport suggested that Daimler AG intends to boost its 40 percent stake in McLaren to a majority and has already agreed the main points of a deal.

The publication cited sources close to McLaren as saying talks with Daimler's Mercedes arm had been going on since October and a deal should be announced before the season starts in mid-March.

A spokesman for Mercedes motorsport would not confirm the report.

"The status quo has not changed at all. Daimler still holds 40 percent of the McLaren Group. We ask for your understanding that we will not comment on speculation beyond this," he said.

There has been regular speculation in recent years about Mercedes, who paid an estimated $400 million for their stake in 1999, taking control of McLaren.

Last January, Dennis and Saudi business partner Mansour Ojjeh announced they were selling half their stakes in the team to Bahrain's Mumtalakat Holding Company.

That left Mercedes with 40 percent, Mumtalakat with 30 and Dennis and Ojjeh with 15 percent each.