The Manor Formula 1 team will be powered by Mercedes engines next year after agreeing a deal with the German manufacturer.

Discussions between Manor and Mercedes have resulted in an arrangement that will see the struggling F1 operation receive current specification Mercedes power units throughout the 2016 season.

Manor has been utilising year old Ferrari engines this season.

“Although there were many factors governing our selection of an engine partner to help power us towards our long-term ambitions, ultimately the strength of the Mercedes-Benz package speaks for itself,” said team boss John Booth.

“2015 has been a rebuilding year in every aspect of our operation. Although we have not been able to make the incremental strides in competitiveness that the team has enjoyed in previous seasons, we have put in place a strong foundation from which to progress.

“Together with the potential we are seeing with our 2016 car in the wind tunnel, the Mercedes-Benz Power Unit will assist our return to aggressive performance development with effect from next season.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Scuderia Ferrari for their support for our team over the past two seasons.

“In 2014, together we shared in the momentous occasion of the team’s first points and in 2015 Ferrari supported us to a degree that was above and beyond the requirements of our partnership agreement.

“Quite simply, we could not have returned to the grid without them pushing extremely hard to support the MR03B, at the same time as focusing on their own 2015 package.”