Ecclestone backs Mercedes shakeup Posted by: Admin on Jan 25, 2013 - 06:48 PM

Ecclestone backs Mercedes shakeup Bernie Ecclestone has backed the changes taking place at Mercedes. Earlier, beleaguered team boss Ross Brawn played down claims the F1 chief executive may be playing a role in the power struggle, as Austrians Niki Lauda and Toto Wolff reportedly pull their weight against Brackley's old guard including Brawn and Nick Fry.

Asked about the shakeup, Ecclestone - holidaying in Kitzbuhel, Austria - told Salzburger Nachrichten newspaper: "I hope it means that Mercedes is much stronger.

"I trust that the new team leaders Niki Lauda and Toto Wolff ... it's new people with new ideas.

"Mercedes has the best engine, strong drivers, enough budget -- I would be disappointed if they are not at the front," the 82-year-old added.

Also in Formula 1 News:

• DTM race seat 'possible' - Kubica   (01/25/13)
• Pirelli wants 2014 deal by April   (01/25/13)
• Glock signs BMW deal, Kubica happy after DTM debut   (01/25/13)
• Lotus yet to sign Honeywell title deal   (01/25/13)
• Ferrari's Alonso to sit out Jerez test   (01/25/13)
• Lowe saga rolls on - Lotus' Allison to McLaren?   (01/25/13)
• Pirelli Presents Its New Motorsport Season In Milan   (01/24/13)
• Lotus to launch 2013 car on Monday   (01/24/13)
• Kubica on 'slow' road back to F1   (01/24/13)
• Melb gov't 'shouldn't complain' about F1 deal - Ecclestone   (01/24/13)
• Kobayashi reports wrong, Pirelli keeps Alguersuari   (01/24/13)
• Glock hopes for 2013 DTM seat   (01/24/13)
• F1 dream over, Valencia street circuit crumbles   (01/24/13)
• Buemi aims to end F1 reserve 'torture' in 2014   (01/24/13)
• 2013 Formula One (F1) Official Launch Schedule - Update 5   (01/23/13)
• Mateschitz not ruling out Austria GP return   (01/23/13)
• Wolff hopes angry Brawn doesn't quit   (01/23/13)
• Wolff to keep Williams link 'for the moment'   (01/23/13)
• Webber to give 2013 Red Bull track debut   (01/23/13)
• Heidfeld backs Hulkenberg's team switch   (01/23/13)