Formula One news

BMW exit a 'major regret'

Sir Frank Williams has described the departure of engine partner BMW as a 'major regret'. After a six-year collaboration with the Munich carmaker, Grove has been left without a works supplier following BMW's decision to buy Sauber and go it alone in '06. "It is a major regret that we were unable to make the partnership work," the team co-owner and principal told the 'WilliamsF1 Supporters' site.

He admitted that the behind-the-scenes split inevitably 'had an affect' on the team's form. Sir Frank continued: "The ... promised much but unfortunately failed to deliver. We never forget what happened in the past but we anticipate and look towards the future as best we can."

BMW aside, it is all change at Grove. Like Cosworth and new driver Nico Rosberg, also arriving on the scene is Bridgestone after several seasons on Michelin's F1 tyres.

Despite the French based company's grand prix dominance in 2005, however, Frank Williams is confident about sharing a tyre with Ferrari. "For most of the time that we were supplied by Michelin, we received a thrashing. Bridgestone know how to win so it's probable that neither will enjoy total domination," Sir Frank insisted.

more news

• 27 Nov.
  • GPUpdate TV: Domenicali - high hopes for 2010
  • Jerez test: The cast
  • Wurz plays down USF1 link
  • Renault to test Baguette, Tung and Di Grassi
  • Alonso makes second visit to Ferrari
  • Force India confirms Sutil and Liuzzi
  • All new teams now FOTA members
  • Sauber buys team back from BMW
  • De la Rosa pushing for race drive
  • Ecclestone: I won't buy Donington
  • Haug becomes part of F1 in Schools
  • Volkswagen to provide F1 engines?
• 26 Nov.
  • Alguersuari: 2010 contract is signed
  • Conway and Ericsson to test for Mercedes
  • 4 driver options left for Lotus
  • 'F1 in need of Schumacher return' - Verstappen
• 25 Nov.
  • 'Fantastic opportunity' - Di Resta on Force India test
  • Recap: N.Technology court bid fails
  • BMW testers excited about Jerez
  • Brawn disappointed with Button drives, ponders Lauda
  • Piquet to drive in Massa kart race
  • Brawn aero chief wins award
  • Gillett disappointed with government position
  • Mercedes hopes to confirm line-up by Christmas
• 24 Nov.
  • Briatore verdict expected in January
  • Donington still hopeful over F1 race
  • Montreal race confirmation imminent
  • Massa names drivers for karting event
  • Campos car passes FIA safety tests
  • Strong test could seal drive, says Mallya
  • Force India to test di Resta and Hildebrand
  • Courts to hear Briatore case
  • Silverstone GP deal forthcoming
• 23 Nov.
  • GPUpdate TV: Sam Michael - building on 2009
  • Theissen waiting on entry decision
  • Mercedes delighted with Rosberg confirmation
  • Confirmed: Rosberg to Mercedes for 2010
  • Manor hoping to run in late January
  • Mercedes poised to announce first driver
  • Kobayashi: I expected to be re-signed

Homepage