McLaren denies PURE engine switch

McLaren has played down rumours it will switch engine supplier in 2014 

McLaren has played down reports that its cars could be powered by PURE engines in 2014.

Former BAR team principal Craig Pollock is behind the PURE project and is targeting at least two customers for his new turbo V6 engine by 2014. Reports in Italy linked McLaren to a potential deal, but the team moved swiftly to deny a linkup.

"McLaren has had absolutely no contact with PURE for many months," a McLaren spokesman toldReuters. "Moreover, the contact we did have with PURE, many months ago, was of an entirely informal nature, and was merely a courtesy gesture."

In late November, reports linked McLaren with rumours Honda is looking to return to F1 in 2014 as an engine supplier, but when asked about the rumours managing director Jonathan Neale told ESPNF1: "That's all wide of the mark.

"We are wedded to, very happy with and enjoying our partnership with Mercedes-Benz. We're not quite sure how or where that broke from in truth, but I can stop the rumours and say we are entirely focused on the Mercedes-Benz relationship. We've had a long standing relationship with them, with many wins and championships and long may that continue."

ESPNF1