Williams invites BMW to buy into team

Williams has been powered by BMW for the past two years and the partnership has emerged as the closest challenger to the dominant Ferrari squad. The current agreement between the team and manufacturer runs until the end of next year.

In an interview with BMW's motorsport website, 60-year-old Williams said: "I would prefer to make an unlimited contract with BMW, which would run forever and ever.

"It would be ideal for us if BMW wanted to buy shares from us. For this would give WilliamsF1 greater security and make it easier for us to make plans."

Last week the team denied reports that 50 BMW engineers were being sent to the Williams factory in the UK to work on next year's car. The manufacturer is frustrated that the team has not been able to put up a bigger challenge to Ferrari despite the power of its V10.

"BMW wants to be involved in certain processes and technical developments and we're going to put this into practice by and by," said Williams.

"We always need an engine and therefore we also need a partner to provide us with that engine. In addition, we also require some helpful technical input from them as far as drive or aerodynamics is concerned, but only in certain areas."