Williams eyes switch to Mercedes power (3rd Update)
05/26/13 (GMM) Toto Wolff has confirmed reports Mercedes is in talks with Williams about the supply of engines in 2014.
Widespread and authoritative reports from the Monte Carlo paddock insist the deal for the currently Renault-powered British team to change suppliers next year is now done.
Wolff, Mercedes' motor sport boss, admitted that the German marque looked for a new partner following news McLaren is switching to Honda power for 2015.
"It's clear that we are losing an engine customer in 2015 and for Mercedes it is important to have a regular business case so it is important to have at least three customers from 2015 onwards," he said in Monaco.
"That is why we are having certain discussions with teams and Williams is one of them.
"It would be for 2014."
But while Renault is losing Williams, the French marque is expected to keep Lotus and Caterham on the books for 2014, in addition to Red Bull and Toro Rosso.
The latter deal could be announced in Monaco on Sunday by Renault president Carlos Ghosn, Auto Plus correspondent Jean-Louis Moncet reported.
05/25/13 (GMM) Williams' move from Renault to Mercedes power for 2014 is set to be announced.
Earlier, we reported rumors from the Monaco paddock that the deal for the British team could be on the cards, because Renault was charging multiple millions more than Mercedes for a turbo V6 package.
"The decision is made and it will be announced this weekend in Monaco," said Swiss newspaper Blick's veteran correspondent Roger Benoit.
Germany's Michael Schmidt, of Auto Motor und Sport, is reporting similarly.
The Mercedes link is also an obvious one for Williams, with team co-owner Toto Wolff now the German marque's executive director.
And Wolff's wife Susie is the Williams test driver.
It is Williams' fifth different engine partner since 2005, hot on the heels of BMW, Cosworth, Toyota and Renault.
05/23/13 (GMM) Williams could switch to Mercedes power, Germany's Auto Motor und Sport is reporting.
Currently, the British team is powered by customer Renault engines, but the French marque is reportedly charging EUR 5 million more than its next most-affordable competitor for the turbo V6 units of 2014.
"Williams could change," said correspondent Michael Schmidt, "because the contract is expiring." Caterham is reportedly also concerned about the high quoted price of the 2014 Renault.
Even more engine changes are afoot.
An announcement about Toro Rosso's switch from Ferrari to Renault is imminent, and Ferrari has already found a replacement — Marussia.
"Announcement soon," said Schmidt.
Meanwhile, a rumor in the Monaco paddock is that Honda could fast-forward its return to formula one from 2015 to 2014.
"Right now this is no more than a rumor," said Schmidt.
But there is great concern at Mercedes about 2014; when McLaren will use Mercedes engines, whilst 2015 partner Honda is at the very same time preparing its V6 design for the following season.
Mercedes chairman Niki Lauda said: "We will give McLaren only the information about our engine that they desperately need."