Williams Wants BMW to Buy into Team

Team boss Frank Williams has invited German engine suppliers BMW to buy shares of the Formula One team in order to enjoy a more secure future.

"Most of all, I would prefer to make an unlimited contract with BMW, which would run for ever and ever," Williams was quoted as saying in BMW motorsports' website. "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."

The Grove-based squad have been powered by BMW engines for the last three seasons following the return of the German giant to Formula One racing after an absence from the sport since the 1986 season.

Williams have a contract with BMW that runs out at the end of 2003, and 64-year old Williams said there will be a closer collaboration with their engines suppliers in order to return to winnings ways.

"BMW wants to be involved in certain processes and technical developments and we're going to put this into practice by and by," Williams added. "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. BMW is disappointed that our car of this year is only little better than last year's - and they have every right to be disappointed."

Williams have been the main rivals to the dominant Ferrari team this year, but they have only scored one win compared to the Italian squad's 14 in 16 races.

Read more about this in Karl Ludvigsen's column The Best of Williams.