Williams Distance from Head's Remarks

Head, a co-owner of the Grove-based squad, accused BMW motorsport boss Mario Theissen of dishonesty and said the German manufacturer was quick to blame the team for failing to win.

"When the car starts badly they are very ready to accuse; they never talk about 'our engine' or 'our clutch' or whatever," said Head.
 
"I think this is Mario Theissen's approach, and it's a dishonest approach. We must live with this way of behaving of theirs, but we can't act the same way."

However, Williams, himself critical of BMW's "finger-pointing", has distanced his team from Head's comments.

"I can assure you that in all my time with Mario I have never, never wanted to say he is dishonest because he isn't," said Williams.
 
"The remarks made by Patrick were a private remark and absolutely do not reflect the position of this company in respect to Mario or to BMW. One particular remark was taken slightly out of context."

Williams also said his team are interested in keeping their partnership with BMW, ahead of a board meeting in which the German company will decide on their future involvement in Formula One.

"We are strong supporters of BMW and all I want to say further is that I, Patrick and [technical director] Sam Michael have persistently said that we wish to see ourselves with BMW for many, many years into the future with BMW, that is 100 percent clear in my mind, and that is fact," Williams added.

"I have frequently said BMW are tough, hard people and that is why they are a rich and very profitable company ­ how many pushovers in life do you know who are multi-millionaires or billionaires? They are all hard people, that is how you get the job done.

"It is sometimes a hostile environment but all we want is the world's best engine to put in what we hope is the world's best racing car. It couldn't be simpler to understand. There are many ways to be a Championship team and many ways are successful, but we don't hold hands in the pitlane if that is what you would like us to do, it is not on our agenda.

"I don't want to talk on anything to do with the subject or our relationship and that is how I have got to leave it. We are going to wait for the board's decision and then we will know our future."

BMW have been linked with a buyout of the Sauber team, but spokesmen for both sides said at the Canadian Grand Prix that rumours of a $270 million takeover being agreed were unfounded.

BMW have previously confirmed that they are in talks to provide engines to Sauber next year to replace that team's Ferrari supply.

Theissen said his company's position had not changed.

"It has not changed and Frank is always up to date on that," said Theissen. "We are in negotiations with Sauber, I expect an agreement by the end of the month but I cannot say any more because the decision is not there.

"It is up to the board to decide what they want to do and we will certainly give the information immediately after that decision is made.

"We are talking about a strategic decision and these are not affected by personal issues, by the daily business and are certainly not affected by the result of the week. It is purely what the board thinks is best for BMW's future and I have always taken the task I was given and I would do that again."

Theissen admitted he was surprised to hear of Head's criticism.

"I heard about this interview when I arrived here, I asked Frank, I was very surprised by it, Frank was also surprised," he added. "I have not spoken to Patrick. He has not called me. What do you expect me to say?

"Maybe it was intended as an attempt to foster the relationship, to motivate all the people here at the track, to encourage BMW to extend the partnership and to promote me personally, something like this."