Manor Formula 1 team secures Mercedes power-unit deal

The back-of-the grid team has long been in discussions with Mercedes over an F1 power-unit supply, agreeing a deal from next year onwards.

Manor has been using year-old Ferrari engines, but under the terms of the agreement with Mercedes will use current-spec systems.

"Although there were many factors governing our selection of an engine partner to help power us towards our long-term ambitions, ultimately the strength of the Mercedes-Benz package speaks for itself," team principal John Booth said.

"2015 has been a rebuilding year in every aspect of our operation.

"Although we have not been able to make the incremental strides in competitiveness that the team has enjoyed in previous seasons, we have put in place a strong foundation from which to progress.

"Together with the potential we are seeing with our 2016 car in the wind tunnel, the Mercedes-Benz power unit will assist our return to aggressive performance development with effect from next season.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank Scuderia Ferrari for their support for our team over the past two seasons.

"In 2014, together we shared in the momentous occasion of the team's first points and in 2015 Ferrari supported us to a degree that was above and beyond the requirements of our partnership agreement.

"Quite simply, we could not have returned to the grid without them pushing extremely hard to support the MR03B, at the same time as focusing on their own 2015 package."

In terms of engine supply, Manor plugs the gap for Mercedes left vacant by Renault's impending takeover of Lotus, ensuring the German manufacturer will continue to power three teams from next year, with Force India and Williams included.

Mercedes motorsport boss Toto Wolff said: "Mercedes-Benz has a clear Formula 1 philosophy based around our works Silver Arrows team and supplying benchmark power units to independent customer teams.

"We believe this approach provides Formula 1 with greater strength in depth and ensures a deeper level of competitiveness throughout the field.

"In anticipation of Renault's takeover of the Lotus F1 Team, we are pleased to announce Manor Marussia as a new customer of Mercedes-Benz.

"It is a tenacious team with a fantastic competitive spirit, and we are all excited to see what step forward they can make next year with their new car coupled with the Mercedes-Benz hybrid power unit."