Williams, Honda and Cosworth

BAR co-owner Honda has thrown water on speculation that it may offer a dual 'works' engine contract to Williams next year. The Japanese marque's race vice president Otmar Szafnauer told Motorsport News that time has nearly run out for a '06 deal to be struck.

He also warned that any second engine arrangement would be an effective 'customer' deal, with BAR remaining the only works team. Szafnauer confirmed: ''We have had the question … but from other teams, not just Williams. ''I would imagine that … we are too late for next year.''

And, with Jordan likely to pull together a new Toyota deal, the Honda man's comments leave Williams pondering – other than BMW – the only other real option; Cosworth. The combo won the 1982 championship. GMMF!.net