Williams Doubts BMW will Buy Sauber

BMW have had an exclusive arrangement with Williams since the start of the 2000 season, but the German company have been reportedly unhappy with the British outfit's performance.

Williams have scored one podium finish so far this year, with German Nick Heidfeld finishing third at the Malaysian Grand Prix. The team are in fourth place in the constructors' standings.

However, BMW motorsport boss Mario Theissen said this month that terminating their contract with Williams was "not on the agenda".

"From what I read on the papers, Mario Theissen says we are not good enough," said Williams. "It's his opinion, and he has the right to express it.

"In fact, with them we've won in every year of our collaboration, except for the first one, when however they had a completely different engine and they had been missing from F1 for a long time.

"During this time, we have always been the second or third team with the best results. In any case, that's all behind now."

There has been speculation in the media recently, saying BMW could be thinking of buying Sauber, but Williams believes that will never happen, although he admitted he did not know what the situation was.

"I don't think they really want to buy Peter Sauber's team, and I don't think Peter wants to sell it," Williams told Autosprint magazine. "Really, I don't know what will happen."

BMW have denied interest in buying Sauber, but they have admitted to be talking to the Hinwil-based squad about a supply of engines for next season. The deal is expected to be concluded by next month.

It will be first time BMW will supply another team since returning for Formula One in 2002, and Williams said he respects their decision.

"Let's not forget that every manufacturer publicly pledged to supply a second team," said Williams. "Maybe that's what they want to do with Sauber. It would be their decision, which I respect and which I can't interfere with."