From GMM

Norbert Haug on Sunday said he hopes the Mercedes engine deal with championship leaders Brawn GP will be extended beyond 2009.

With permission from the FIA and Force India, Brawn was allowed to use the German marque's engines this year, contrary to the rule stipulating only one customer deal per works effort.

Haug, Mercedes' competition chief, told Reuters that chassis partner McLaren would also have to agree to an engine deal for Brawn for 2010 and beyond.

The prestige of Brawn's Mercedes-powered success aside, he defended the arrangement on the grounds that, if not for the deal, more than the announced 50 staff would have lost their jobs at engine headquarters in Brixworth (UK) this week.

"I think it is very important to have a reliable, accountable engine supplier and probably do a deal (with Brawn) for the next three years," said Haug.

Mercedes' deal with Force India, commencing in 2009, is for five years.