Mercedes Honda deal had to be approved by Mallya

According to the FIA regulations, an engine supplier is not allowed to deal with more than two teams at a time. At the moment we have Mercedes supplying the McLaren and Force India teams, but will be allowed to add the Honda team with the full consent of the FIA and Vijay Mallya.

Force India team owner Vijay Mallya shared at a Jerez press meeting today: "The FIA rules say that an engine manufacturer can only supply two teams. As far as Mercedes is concerned, that's McLaren and Force India. I think a special one-year dispensation, I understand, has been granted for Mercedes to supply the ex-Honda team just to keep it on the grid."

"I could have objected but I chose not to because it is good for F1. Nobody likes to see a team disappear," he added. "We had unfortunately Super Aguri disappear last year and I don't think it is good for the sport that one more team goes."