Brawn could be renamed Mercedes
It has been rumored and reported for some time that the German carmaker wants to step back from its long association with McLaren in order to buy a larger share of Brawn.
According to speculation, the deal could see Brawn renamed Mercedes and race with silver cars in 2010, even though McLaren's contract with the marque through to 2011 will likely runs its course.
Mercedes is reportedly keen on the deal because it will cost less than the McLaren collaboration in the long term, but give it a stronger voice on matters such as driver choice.
The Mirror newspaper said an announcement is "only days" away, the Daily Mail carried similar information about Brawn being "taken over by Mercedes this week".
Similarly, Martin Brundle wrote in his Sunday Times column: "This week it will be announced that Mercedes-Benz has sold its shareholding in McLaren and will be taking a majority stake in Brawn GP."
11/10/09 (GMM) It is possible that new world champions Brawn GP will be renamed to feature the word 'Mercedes' ahead of the 2010 season.
Germany's authoritative Auto Motor und Sport insists the Brackley based outfit's rumored buy-in by the German marque is definitely taking place, which will result in the cars bearing a silver livery.
But whether the name can be changed to officially include Mercedes depends on the agreement of McLaren, the Stuttgart-based luxury car maker's exclusive F1 partner.
McLaren has already vetoed Red Bull's desired use of Mercedes engines for 2010, but prior to the 2009 season Martin Whitmarsh approved a two-year supply deal for Brawn.
Auto Motor und Sport claims that "error" could cost Whitmarsh his job as team boss, with Ron Dennis linked with a return to the pitwall after appearing at the Abu Dhabi finale earlier this month.
Brawn and Mercedes are hoping to announce the details of their intensified collaboration within the coming days, the magazine said.
"We are looking at all opportunities for the future but it is too early to announce anything yet," Ross Brawn told PA Sport.