BMW to end ‘tense’ F1 deal?

When BMW's Mario Theissen returns to Munich from North America mid next week, Williams co-owner Patrick Head's insulting words will ring in his ears. The German carmaker will, in June, decide whether or not to abandon Frank Williams' Grove crew and buy rival Sauber.

Theissen, motor sport director, said at Montreal: ''We'll probably discuss the role the statements of Patrick Head play, although I don't really rate them important.''

He also shot down reports he is keen to step on the throttle and become a team boss. ''BMW decisions are neither based on personal ambition,'' said the German, ''nor on emotional statements or what happens at a single race track.''

Similarly pressed by the media, though, Sir Frank froze up. ''I can't answer that,'' he said when asked about reported initial dealings with Cosworth, Toyota and Honda. 'I won't comment further on that topic,'' he said to another question.

Theissen said the BMW-Williams collaboration is 'naturally a little tense' after six years without a title. ''So I can understand a bit of emotion coming in,'' he explained. ''That's why we are carefully examining if we are on the correct road together.''