BMW may ditch Williams
Cooperation with Sauber more attractive
Munich (pte036/03.03.2003/13:35) Williams F1's engine suppliers BMW are planning to end their partnership with the English outfit and team up with Swiss team Sauber, a German magazine has claimed.
According to German motorsport magazine 'Auto Bild', frustrated BMW bosses are angry at the continued lack of performance from Williams' cars.
BMW bosses have said nothing about the rumours so far but have been critical of the Williams team's new racer. The car has been three seconds off the pace set by Ferrari in pre-season testing.
BMW motor sport boss Gerhard Berger told German media: "The new Williams car is simply too slow. I have to say we are very worried."
He added: "It is definitely not our engine. All tests at our plant have shown that the BMW P83 motor is in a league of its own. We have got the best engine in the sport."
The ten-time Grand Prix winner also attacked the Williams' chassis. He said: "In F1 racing good cars have always been fast on the spot. But we are miles away from that."
Williams driver Ralf Schumacher was also critical of the car's performance earlier this week, saying he had done little testing in it and in what he had done the results had been poor.
He said: "It makes me sick that everything always just runs smoothly for my brother Michael. I have done more miles with my rental car from the hotel to the circuit than with the racer in testing."
His manager, Willi Weber, even hinted the star could leave the team for Toyota unless things get better. He said: "Toyota take priority in my plans for Ralf's future. They are a top quality team with loads of potential."
Sauber team boss Peter Sauber has in the past made it clear he would be happy to team up with big name German motor manufacturer.
He said: "It is always useful to have the backing of a car giant. The continuously high costs in the sport basically demand such co-operation."
The Swiss team has been the most successful private outfit on the F1 circuit for many years but has not been able to mount a serious challenge to the likes of Williams, Ferrari and McLaren.
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