Williams Says BMW to Supply Sauber

Williams are set to lose their exclusive use of BMW power-plants from the start of next season, with the Grove-based team revealing on Tuesday that their German technical partner has decided to supply customer version of its engine to the Swiss Sauber team.

Although rumours of a BMW tie-up with Sauber have been around for several weeks, Williams chief Frank Williams admitted on Tuesday that the Munich-based car manufacturer had decided to go ahead with the deal from the start of 2006.

Speaking to journalists during a pre-season lunch, Williams revealed that he had been fully-informed by BMW motorsport director Mario Theissen of the decision and made it clear that his team would remain as the company's number one outfit.

"Mario was very open about it," explained Williams. "He said: 'we are going to supply engines. I am not pleased to say, I am pleased to know it because it makes the manufacturers stronger.

"'Each manufacturer must supply two teams, and we have had two approaches â€" one Sauber and one other. It is not up to me to say who the other one was. And we have decided to go with Sauber'."

Williams added: "I have got no problem with that. Our deal carries on. We are still the works team."

It is not clear whether a final contract has been signed between Sauber and BMW, but the fact that Theissen has informed Williams of its plans appears to indicate that the deal will now be a formality.

Peter Sauber told Autosport earlier this month that his options were open â€" although drew short of confirming any favouritism for a BMW deal. He indicated he would start making a decision after the season-opening Australian Grand Prix.

"I will begin to evaluate all potential options, which naturally include Ferrari, at the beginning of next season," he said. "It goes without saying that I have informed Jean Todt accordingly."

A BMW spokesman added: "I can confirm that we have had an approach from Sauber â€" and indeed from Red Bull. There have been talks, and there will be more talks. We have not yet made a decision as to whether or not we will supply customer engines."

Sauber was unavailable for comment on Tuesday.