Mar.2 (GMM) An official announcement that Ron Dennis is stepping down as boss of the formula one team McLaren-Mercedes will be made in the middle of this week, an authoritative British newspaper claims.

Citing 'sources', the Sunday Times - which last week received a private briefing from the 60-year-old Briton rejecting rumours that he is being pushed out of the role - now reports that Dennis "is determined to achieve a better balance between his family life, other McLaren businesses and the grand prix team".

The report floated the possibility that current deputy Martin Whitmarsh will take control of the team "a few races into the season".

Sir Frank Williams, one of Dennis' contemporaries and traditionally an ally, observed to the Daily Mail: "Ron seems to have been submerged, sadly."