Norbert Haug has once again played down rumours of discord within the Mercedes GP camp.

Two weeks ago at Monza, speculation swept the Italian paddock that Michael Schumacher could follow team boss Ross Brawn out of the team at the end of 2010.

The rumours, hinting that the initial indications are that Mercedes could have another difficult season in 2011, claimed that Brawn and carmaker Mercedes-Benz’s motor sport chief Haug are at odds over the direction of the Brackley based team.

“We have full confidence in Ross,” Haug insisted in Singapore, according to Turun Sanomat newspaper.

“Work for the future is going well,” added the German.  “It is normal that rumours come and go.

“I’ve heard rumours about Michael, about me and about Ross.  When I say no, I mean no, and when I say yes, I mean yes.

“My answer is no; there are no cracks in the relationship,” insisted Haug.

He also insisted that the commitment of Mercedes-Benz and its parent Daimler is not wavering.

“The automotive industry has gone through a crisis, and several other manufacturers have left F1,” said Haug.

“Mercedes is committed to the future of this sport.  We do not yet have a winning team, but we are putting in the work to become a winning team,” he added.

State oil company Petronas has extended its title sponsorship of the Malaysian grand prix.

Media statements said the contract extension is for a further five years.

Kuala Lumpur based Petronas also title sponsors the formula one team Mercedes GP.

“I am pleased that Petronas has again used formula one to let the world follow their success in the oil and gas automotive industry,” said F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone.

The first Malaysian grand prix took place in 1999.