Growing speculation over end of Ron Dennis' McLaren era

The report further fuelled speculation that Dennis' time was over after 28 years in charge of the successful Formula One team. 

   The rumours started last week and according to The Guardian it is widely believed in the sport that Whitmarsh will take the helm before next week's season-opener in Australia.

 Whitmarsh told The Guardian that he will play no active role in the issue.

 "There's no pressure either on me or from me. I've been at McLaren for 19 years and am incredibly patient. Nor do I intend to be the Judas who knifed Ron in the back," Whitmarsh insisted.

 "You must understand this is all speculation. I certainly think we need to stem the tide of the 'Ron has had it' coverage which we've seen in some sections of the media recently. It's entirely - and I emphasise entirely - his decision if he decides he will have a change of role."

   Whitmarsh has been at Mclaren since 1989 as "head of operations." He gets on well with Dennis which should make any transition seamless, a view seemingly shared by the drivers.

 "If Ron wants to go, then he will go. My relationship with Mercedes-Benz is absolutely as strong as my relationship with McLaren. On this issue, I am quite relaxed," the 2007 world championship runner-up Lewis Hamilton telling German news magazine Focus.

 Mercedes, for their part, dismissed speculation they were behind the end of Dennis' era.

 "I have been working with Ron for 14 years, and in that period, only one of all other teams has been more successful. Ron has made a huge contribution as a team leader. Everything else is speculation which has not originated from our side," Mercedes motorsport chief Norbert Haug told the Bild daily.

 Mercedes hold a 40 per cent share in the McLaren group amid speculation that they may take over the team in the future.

 Dennis came under fire for his role in a spying affair with Ferrari which cost the team all 2007 constructors' points and a 100-million dollar fine from the ruling body FIA.

 He was also last year accused by then McLaren driver Fernando Alonso of favouring Hamilton. Alonso returned to Renault after just 12 months.