Force India has confirmed that it has parted company with engine supplier Ferrari – paving the way for a technical partnership with McLaren-Mercedes for next season.
The Italian manufacturer has agreed to an early termination of its contract with Force India, which had another year left to run.
The Vijay Mallya-owned outfit is now expected to finalise a tie-in with Mercedes over a full drivetrain and Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) package for its 2009 cars.
“The Force India Formula One Team today announces that it has ended its contract with Ferrari,” read a team statement.
“The agreement signed in 2007 also provided for a supply of engines in 2009, but will now terminate ahead of schedule at the request of Force India.
“Force India wishes to thank Ferrari for its much appreciated and valued support to date, which has always been carried out at the highest level; technically and professionally and within an excellent relationship,” the statement said.
Mallya trailed the announcement when he discussed the possibility of an amicable split with Ferrari at the Brazilian Grand Prix and signalled that he would be willing to reimburse the manufacturer for any development costs already incurred on its behalf.
“If for whatever reason we need to part, it will be a very friendly parting – and that's all agreed,” Mallya said.
“If they have incurred some costs developing engines for us for next year, we'll talk about it.
“We're certainly not going to be bloody-minded.
“If they have incurred costs on my behalf, I think I owe it to them to offer to reimburse.
“Beyond that I think there is a very positive and friendly spirit on either side, and so they will not be any acrimony or any wilful enforcement of a contract.”