 Williams insisted BMW were the team's first-choice engine supplier |
Williams have quashed rumours that they could end a long-standing partnership with engine suppliers BMW. Williams have a contract with the German firm until 2009 but BMW are also expected to supply Swiss-based outfit Sauber with engines from next season.
"We have a long-term alliance with BMW and we are very, very happy with it," team boss Frank Williams stated.
"Any close partnership will have the occasional issue but fundamentally we have an excellent team."
The Williams team did not, however, deny reports they had opened negotiations with Cosworth and Toyota over future engine supply.
And further reports in Germany suggest BMW could even buy out the Sauber team and follow Ferrari, Renault and Toyota by running it as a manufacturer-owned outfit.
However, Williams reasserted his belief that BMW's proposed links with Sauber would not undermine their partnership.
"Several weeks ago, five of the manufacturers announced they would supply independent teams with an engine," Williams said.
"That means every manufacturer would provide a second team with an engine.
"We strongly support this initiative because it underpins the future of Formula One."
Williams joined forces with BMW in 2000 and together have won just 10 F1 races.
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