Formula One news

Williams: No firm 2010 engine deal yet

The Williams team are said to be in a predicament over engine supplier for the 2010 season. The Grove squad currently has a standing contract with Toyota but has reportedly been in talks with several other suppliers whilst attempting to sever ties with Toyota, whose own works team also has a future in doubt.

Williams are rumoured to be in talks with Renault, a partnership which in the past has proven very successful. However, when asked about how the Piquet/Renault scandal may have affected any talks between the two parties, Executive Director of Engineering Patrick Head replied: "It doesn't make it any easier."

Williams is now in itrs third season with Toyota power

With recent developments concerning the futures of large manufacturers - BMW announcing their exit from the sport and others, such as Toyota and Renault, possibly to follow suit - Williams negotiation stance has changed; although hopeful of concluding a deal in the near future to help aid the design of the 2010 Williams car, Head stated there are still many options available to the team, including Cosworth, but unfortunately not the engine of choice this year, Mercedes. 

"We showed interest (in Mercedes engines) a few months ago but, even then, deals had been made that left the option unavailable to us," he continued. Head reiterated that a late deal was not off the cards totally by laying praise at how Brawn dealt with the situation this year. "Brawn have shown it is possible to install a engine late on." However, Head noted that, with the refuelling ban implemented for next year, switching from a frugal engine to a particularly thirsty model would be hard work for any design team to accommodate.

more news

• 26 Nov.
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  • Conway and Ericsson to test for Mercedes
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  • '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
  • Nakajima future in Toyota's hands
  • Klien still hoping for 2010 seat
  • McLaren line-up will work, says Ecclestone
  • López: USF1 deal coming next week
• 22 Nov.
  • Photos: 2009 Toyota Motor Sports Festival
  • Vettel surprised by Button team switch
• 21 Nov.
  • Mercedes: No Schumacher drive with us
  • López close to USF1 deal
  • Options open for Bourdais
• 20 Nov.
  • FIA was using new teams, says Lola
  • Rossi and Newey to contest endurance race
  • Wolff: Worth of privateers on the up

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