Red Bull has "lured McLaren's long-time oil and fuel supplier Exxon/Mobil away from the Woking-based team," as part of a "major technical shake-up" that will result in Castrol/BP returning to F1, according to Jonathan Noble of MOTORSPORT. McLaren has worked with Mobil for 21 years, "with the two companies having enjoyed four world championship titles and 78 race wins together." However, "more recent competitive struggles and the attraction of joining forces with Red Bull has seen the two companies conclude a deal," with Exxon/Mobil to provide fuel for the team's customer Renault engine. McLaren has "wasted little time in sorting out its own situation," and it is understood to have finalized a deal with Castrol/BP to return to F1. The switch of fuel supplier "will provide a fresh challenge for Honda," which has so far built its engine in close co-operation with Exxon/Mobil (MOTORSPORT, 10/28).
NO COMMENT: GMM reported Mercedes Motorsport Dir Toto Wolff "is not commenting on reports Mercedes may lose its title sponsor." Earlier, it emerged that Malaysia "is considering not extending its contract to host an annual race at Sepang beyond next year." That "could have implications for Petronas," the government-owned Malaysian oil company that sponsors not only the race near Kuala Lumpur but also Mercedes. When asked if it is possible Petronas will withdraw from F1, "including its title sponsorship of the championship-winning team," Wolff said, "I cannot comment, simply because I don't have any information to give" (GMM, 10/30).
