The arrangement runs in parallel to but is independent of the Honda power unit supply deal, which was formally confirmed on Sunday.

However, Sauber team boss Monisha Kaltenborn said that the team was not yet ready to announce any arrangement.

"I can say nothing on that," she told Motorsport.com. "Details on the transmission side will not be disclosed right now. We'll see in time. No further details at this stage, it is too early, really."

Sauber has not manufactured its own gearboxes for many years. They were made at a facility in Munich during the BMW years, while more recently they have been sourced as a package with the power unit from Ferrari.

McLaren has previously supplied Force India with gearboxes, before the latter switched to works Mercedes units.

The Sauber deal includes only the gearbox and other associated systems, and won't cover suspension and other items.

However, the new arrangement does open the door to further co-operation between the teams, including the placement of a McLaren junior driver, or possibly the use of the highly-rated Sauber wind tunnel.

At the moment McLaren utilises the Toyota facility in Cologne.

Although in theory the Hinwil tunnel operates as a business independently of the F1 team it would not be difficult for the two parties to conclude a deal that suited both sides.