Williams to get Cosworth or Honda power

UPDATE #3 Williams is in talks with several potential suppliers – believed to be Honda, Toyota and Cosworth – but Mark Webber has stressed the need for manufacturer backing if his team is to recapture former glories. "Frank has been through tough weekends and tough years before and come out the other side and I'm sure he'll do it again," he said.

"If something is not going in the direction you want you have to address it. We are not sure what engine we will have next season but a decision will be made soon and we'll take it from there. Either we stick with BMW or we look to find another engine. You need a manufacturer to succeed in Formula One, it is absolutely the only way. I'm sure we will have a competitive engine next season." (which of course then means no Cosworth for the Williams team, unless a manufacturer badges it) FOX Sports

07/03/05 According to sources, Williams have distanced themselves from an engine deal with Cosworth, but Toyota and Honda, with whom Williams won two constructors' titles and one drivers' championship, are in the frame. Williams' next move could determine their chances of signing Jenson Button in 2006. BAR's failure to score a point this season makes it almost impossible for them to satisfy the performance clause in their contract that would allow them to retain Button. But Honda, who bought a significant chunk of the team, are desperate to keep him. 06/22/05 A source tells us that Williams are more than likely to get a Honda supply of engines in 2006 as Jenson Button is well thought of by Honda and it would ease the pain of him leaving to Williams (which after the no points from the weekend is a sure thing). Heidfeld to Sauber yes that is likely due to the BMW connection. Webber leaving Williams is also likely if there is no decent engine as he is managed by Flavio so he may replace Fisichella as he has been mediocre all season except for his win in Australia. Coulthard and Barrichello to BAR may also be in the cards as they are great friends with De Ferran. The 2006 F1 Silly Season is in full swing. Mark C. 06/22/05 The problem for Williams, winners of nine constructors' titles and seven drivers' crowns since 1980, is that there is not a lot of engine choice elsewhere now that it looks like they will lose BMW for sure. Only privately-owned Cosworth is clearly touting for business. Toyota, Honda, Renault, Ferrari and Mercedes all have existing teams — either wholly or partly-owned to concentrate on — while Toyota and Ferrari are also providing engines to second teams. Sauber's Ferrari engine supply will go to Red Bull in 2006 while Toyota are talking to Jordan about renewing that deal when the team is renamed Midland next year.

The engine rules are also changing, with V8 units being introduced for 2006 although teams can stay with rev-limited V10s if they chose. Minardi have already said they will use a Cosworth V10 next year, leaving no takers so far for a Cosworth V8 that is well-advanced and reputedly impressive.

The engine side is only part of the problem for Williams, however with the team deriving most of its funding from sponsorship. The main backer is HP, with other sponsors including Royal Bank of Scotland, Allianz, Accenture, Budweiser, FedEx, Hamleys, Oris and Reuters. Williams would not say last week what proportion of the team's backers were linked to the involvement of BMW. "That's a business question and I'd rather not answer it," he said. "But in simple terms, in the event of a switch, it means we're still solidly in business."

BMW's decision to run their own team also subtly shifts the Formula One landscape, strengthening the hand of carmakers in their battle for control of the sport and sending the message that BMW at least intend to be around long-term. Reuters

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