Mercedes committed to McLaren, F1

(GMM) On a rare visit to the formula one paddock, DaimlerChrysler chairman Dieter Zetsche used the opportunity to reinforce Mercedes' commitment to McLaren.

After witnessing the silver cars he helps to bankroll finish a commanding one-two on the famous Monte Carlo streets, Zetsche – complete with his famously impressive moustache – point-blank rejected Monaco rumblings that Mercedes could be one of the carmakers that might one day soon simply pull out of the sport.

"We have never questioned our commitment to formula one," the Turkish born boss told the broadcaster 'Premiere'.

Zetsche said: "McLaren and Mercedes have been partners for many years and now we are delighted that we are harvesting what we have sowed."

In fact, the strongest speculation for some time has been the belief that parent company DaimlerChrysler is shaping up to simply buy the rest of Ron Dennis' team, re-branding it Mercedes-Benz.

But Zetsche insisted: "We are extraordinarily content with the form of our commitment. We have a very strong, competent and engaged partner, and we are the largest shareholder.

"McLaren is not a marque that we would want to hide ourselves from."