Zoom The Mercedes engine - fitted to three teams - comes far ahead of the competition in the numbers game

With the 2009 championship now completed, Mercedes can bask in the knowledge that its engines were the dominating force in Formula One this year, with rival Renault taking second place ahead of Toyota, Ferrari and BMW.

The main 'Battle of the Engines' took place between the Mercedes-powered cars of the Brawn, McLaren and Force India teams, and the Red Bull and works Renault teams fitted with the French carmaker's engine. The Toyota supply given to Williams and the Japanese manufacturer's own outfit came next, followed by Ferrari and its customer team Toro Rosso. BMW Sauber was the only operation to feature the German constructor's engine, a situation evidently reflected in the numbers.

Out of the 17 races contested, Mercedes counts 21 podium finishes: Jenson Button (9), Rubens Barrichello (6), Lewis Hamilton (5) and Giancarlo Fisichella (1). On the Renault side, Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber stepped onto the podium eight times each, while Fernando Alonso did so once.

Ferrari appeared six times with Kimi Raikkonen (5) and Felipe Massa (1). Toyota participated in the podium ceremony on five occasions following the performances of Jarno Trulli (3) and Timo Glock (2). BMW colours were seen twice thanks to Nick Heidfeld and Robert Kubica.

On the victory score, Mercedes claimed 10 wins (Brawn 8, McLaren 2) while Renault recorded six (all Red Bull) and Ferrari only one. Toyota and BMW failed to reach the top step of the podium.

Regarding the distribution of the 643.5 points available over the course of the season (the half-points come from the Malaysian Grand Prix which was stopped mid-way due to torrential rain), the three Mercedes teams gathered 256 points while the two Renault-fitted outfits took 179.5. The Toyota-powered teams recorded 94 points, ahead of Ferrari's 78 and BMW's 36.

The 2009 championship was the last for both Toyota and BMW. Mercedes, Renault and Ferrari will be joined by independent firm Cosworth starting in 2010, meaning next season's 'Battle of the Engines' will take place between four competitors and not five.

2009 podiums:
Mercedes: 41%
Renault: 33%
Ferrari: 12%
Toyota: 10%
BMW: 4%

2009 victories:
Mercedes: 59%
Renault: 35%
Ferrari: 6%
Toyota: 0%
BMW: 0%

2009 points scores:
Mercedes: 40%
Renault: 28%
Toyota: 15%
Ferrari: 12%
BMW: 5%

Daniel BASTIEN
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