Alain Prost may yet come out of his relationship with Peugeot smelling of roses, after his team was linked to a supply of Mercedes engines.



The rumour that the Prost outfit may receive a customer version of the current race-winning Mercedes unit follows speculation that it might sign new F3000 champion Nick Heidfeld. The German is a Mercedes protege, and Prost may be able to secure an engine deal in return for grooming Heidfeld for Formula One.



The drawback to the plan may be that the team will only have hold of Heidfeld for one season, before he is snatched back by Mercedes works team McLaren. Sauber had also hoped to sign the German, but was put off by Mercedes insistence that he only be given a one-year contract.



Ironically, the suggestion that former Sauber pilot Jean Alesi will join Prost next year has increased the chances of current engine supplier Peugeot staying on board. The French company has a year of its existing agreement with the team still to run - which may lead to them paying for any replacement engine if it pulls out - and is rumoured to be considering a multi-season extension, despite strained relations between the two parties.