Zoom Mercedes-power at Force India in 2009

McLaren Mercedes is close to inking a deal to collaborate technically with the independent team Force India next year, Ron Dennis has admitted.

It has been reported, and confirmed by Force India, that the Silverstone-based squad is in talks with McLaren about the use of engines, components and other technical support for 2009 and beyond.

Dennis is quoted by the Spanish newspaper AS as insisting a deal has not been done, but he said he was confident 'there will be a positive outcome'.

It is believed that the final hurdle to be cleared is clarification about whether existing F1 teams will be allowed to cooperate beyond engine supply, for example the exchange of 'customer cars', in the future.

Sportnet.at quotes Dennis as explaining: "For the moment there is no binding agreement. I believe it will happen, but it has not yet."

Source: GMM
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