Paddy Lowe to join Mercedes early

Agreement has been reached between Mercedes and McLaren for Paddy Lowe to join the works team ahead of the Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix June 9.

The announcement of Lowe leaving McLaren for Mercedes was made in February and the British racing engineer was supposed to join the team at the end of 2013.

"Paddy will strengthen the team in the role of executive director (technical) and will work closely with team principal Ross Brawn, executive director Toto Wolff and the team's senior technical management," said a Mercedes statement Monday adding that the 51-year-old will join the Brackley outfit June 3.

"As team principal, Ross Brawn will retain overall responsibility for technical and sporting matters," it added.

Lowe, who joins the Silver Arrows after serving McLaren for more than 20 years, said: "I am excited to become part of a highly talented and capable technical organisation. The team has already produced probably the fastest car of the 2013 season while the technical challenges of the new regulations for 2014 will give us the opportunity to maximise the synergies available to a works manufacturer. That is a challenge I am relishing. I have worked closely with Mercedes for almost 20 years and deeply admire the company's phenomenal commitment to Formula One."

Ross Brawn said: "I am delighted to welcome Paddy to the team and to begin working together. He has an excellent record of success in the sport and would be an asset to any of our rivals in the pit lane."

Mercedes are currently fourth in the Constructors' Championship with 72 points.