Mercedes GP adds AMG to its name

The team, which was called Mercedes GP Petronas up till this year, will now be called the "Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team" from the 2012 season. The name incorporates AMG, which is Mercedes-Benz’s in-house performance division.

AMG also runs Mercedes-Benz's motorsport division, having won 165 races and 32 drivers', manufacturers' and team titles in the DTM since 1988, and have been the supplier of Formula 1 safety cars since 1996.

"Our new team name fuses the proud traditions of AMG and the Mercedes-Benz Silver Arrows at the pinnacle of motorsport," said Norbert Haug, Vice President of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport, who added, "These three letters are synonymous with high technology, sporting performance and excitement and this step is a further strong sign of the strategic commitment Mercedes-Benz has made to Formula One. 16 of the 24 drivers on the grid at the season’s final Grand Prix in Brazil have, or have had, a connection to Mercedes-Benz."

In addition the F1 team’s name change, the Mercedes-Benz Formula 1 powertrain facility at Brixworth, UK, which has worked closely with AMG for many years, will be renamed "Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains".