BMW rumour on the grow

Williams co-owner Patrick Head refused to answer speculation that engine partner BMW may buy into team rival Sauber. It is suggested that Frank Williams, principal at Grove, has already commenced dialogue with Cosworth to safeguard the team's F1 future.

''Whatever happens,'' Head told The Guardian newspaper, ''I am sure we will have competitive engines next year.''

On a happier note, BMW-powered racer Nick Heidfeld turned twenty eight on May 10. On this day in 1967, though, leading Italian driver Lorenzo Bandini succumbed to burns after crashing three days earlier at the Monaco grand prix. The 1959 Monaco grand prix was held on May 10, with Australia's Jack Brabham atop the podium, while Jochen Rindt – of Austria – won on the street circuit on May 10, 1970.