Toyota Rule Out Supplying Williams

Williams have just three weeks to resolve their engine supply plans for 2006 and, although the team did make an approach to Toyota prior to the Canadian Grand Prix, they have now been told a supply deal is out of the question.

"We are not planning to supply Williams next year," said Toyota boss John Howett. "We have had some approach for the future and whether we do it or not we have to discuss and consider, but for next year it is not possible.

"Toyota Racing haven't had an approach from Williams, but Williams approached Toyota in Japan. I don't know when that was but, from our point of view, it was very recently and it is far too late to even contemplate for next year."

With fellow Japanese manufacturer Honda having said at the weekend that it was not currently in active discussions with Williams about a deal next year, it is looking increasingly likely that the team will remain with BMW for another year before making the switch in 2007.

Williams' only other option is for a partnership with Cosworth, which has yet to find a team to supply with its V8 engines for next year.

Toyota is understood to have agreed terms to supply engines to Jordan for another year but a final contract has not yet been signed.

"It is not done, but the difference is volumes," explained Howett. "Our company is not about contracts, it is about obligation and we have been discussing with Jordan for some time and just agreeing the terms of a contract."

When asked why an announcement about the Jordan deal had not been made, especially with team chief Colin Kolles having said recently that he knew which engine manufacturer the outfit would have next year for their first campaign as Midland, Howett said that there were still one or two minor issues to resolve.

"It is mainly just finalising one or two contractual details but at the moment the intention is to supply engines to Jordan," he explained.