Williams to look at strategy

Williams will find out next month how committed BMW are to their lucrative long-term partnership.

A disappointing start to the season fed rumous of discontent at engine supplier BMW and despite an upturn in fortunes in the past two races, doubts remain over their commitment to Williams.

BMW are already in talks to supply Sauber with engines next year but speculation has suggested they are considering buying the Swiss team and cutting Williams loose.

BMW motorsport chief Mario Theissen, after watching Nick Heidfeld take his second successive runner-sup spot at the Nurburgring yesterday, confirmed a decision will be taken next month but was cagey as to the options under discussion.

He said: “We will discuss our strategy in June. Don’t expect a result next week, rather at the end of June.

“I can only say we are very focussed on working with Williams, we expect a successful season with Williams.

“We are talking to Sauber primarily on engine supply for next year, everything beyond that is speculation and I don’t know what the outcome will be at the moment. It is not for me to decide.

“I cannot tell you all the things that are on the agenda because it is an internal discussion, but as soon as we have a decision we will certainly communicate it.”

Williams have used BMW engines since 1999 but have failed to win a world championship in that time.