Brawn name change approved

As well as suggesting a new top ten scoring system on Thursday, Formula 1 governing body the FIA has confirmed that the Brawn GP team will be able to switch its name to Mercedes GP for 2010, owing to the German manufacturer's long-time association with the sport. With Brawn having taken the name only this year after the sudden demise of Honda, Mercedes' acquisition of the Brackley squad has now led to its third relabeling within as many seasons; although the FIA suggests that this may not always have been possible, permission has been granted due to the circumstances.

'The F1 Commission agreed that the Brawn team will be allowed to change its chassis name from Brawn to Mercedes,' an FIA statement reads.

'The team will continue to receive payments based on its historical performance. This has been granted on a one-off exceptional basis due to Mercedes-Benz's long-term involvement and commitment to Formula One.'