BERLIN, Jan 16, 2008 (AFP) - Germany´s Daimler AG´s Mercedes plans to extend its stake in Formula One team McLaren to a majority share, Auto Motor und Sport magazine reported on Wednesday which could lead to the departure of the team´s long-time boss Ron Dennis.

The magazine cited sources close to the dossier as saying talks with Daimler´s Mercedes arm have already reached agreement with McLaren and a deal should be announced before the season starts in mid-March.

Mercedes has been the motor partner of the British stable since 1995 and currently holds a 40 percent stake, while Dennis holds 15 percent, as does his business partner Mansour Ojjeh.

A spokesman for Daimler would not confirm the report.

Such a move could see the end to Dennis´ reign. His position was undermined last season after his team were found guilty of spying on rivals Ferrari and excluded from the constructors title race which they looked set to win.