Haug: Merc are in F1 for the long haul

In a recent interview with AUTOSPORT's sister publication F1 Racing FIA president Max Mosley suggested that he thought two major manufacturers would leave F1. He did not name them but F1 Racing speculated that he was talking about Mercedes and BMW.

Haug responded: "We will stay in F1, for a long time I would say. We are committed and we wouldn't be starting negotiations with GPWC if we were going to stop tomorrow. We have long-term commitment and if the FIA president should choose to speculate, then he should speak to me before he does that. And he didn't.

"I read the interview and I'm as surprised as Mario [llien, boss of engine manufacturer Ilmor] is. I don't understand the speculation. We are committed for the long term. Mr Hubbert [a Daimler Chrysler board member] is actually currently leading the GPWC and I think it is logical that if we are doing that, then we don't plan to stop in the short term.

"I don't know where the story has come from but it is pure speculation. We are happy in F1. We have promoted our brand in a very good way, we have a good partnership with McLaren, our tyres are getting better and better and our engine is getting stronger and stronger. We are on the right path, I have a good relationship with Mario and we will keep on going."