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F1: Williams Engine Decision Imminent; McLaren Concerned Over Sauber Owners

WILLIAMS F1 BOSS Frank Williams has revealed his team will be forced to make a decision regarding its 2010 engine partner in the near future amid rumours that the outfit may link with Cosworth.
The British-based team has requested an early termination of


WILLIAMS F1 BOSS Frank Williams has revealed his team will be forced to make a decision regarding its 2010 engine partner in the near future amid rumours that the outfit may link with Cosworth.

The British-based team has requested an early termination of its agreement with Toyota. Williams has become increasingly frustrated with Toyota's inability to provide a more competitive engine, handicapping its performances at F1’s quicker venues such as Spa and Monza.

Renault was originally mooted as the expected replacement, but the French company’s involvement in ‘crashgate’ has delayed negotiations.

“You've got to get on with it and make up our minds, it must be imminent," Williams told Autosport.

"It's a technical choice and it requires a thorough vetting and consideration period by Patrick [Head] and Sam [Michael] plus some negotiations by Adam [Parr] once it's decided. We have to hurry up because we don't want to get behind on designing our car.”

Although concerns have been raised over Cosworth’s ability to produce a competitive engine, Williams acknowledged the manufacturer remains a real option.

He said: “Cosworth is an independent company. The warmth that a manufacturer's engine provides is a useful feeling.”

Meanwhile, McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh has admitted he is concerned over the future of Sauber following its purchase by investment group Qadbak.

In an unrelated matter, the Swiss-linked organisation has come under close scrutiny and investigation by the English Football Association following its purchase of Notts County, with concerns emerging over its mysterious nature.

Glenn Rolley, Chairman of the Notts County Trust, the club’s former owners , described Qadbak as “a private finance organisation” , but declined to divulge further information of the individuals involved after signing a confidentiality agreement.

Suspicions were then further raised when Qadbak’s British representative, Russell King, had nearly £2 million of his assets frozen in Jersey over a dispute regarding an allegedly unpaid debt.

Whitmarsh said: “I have to say I started being concerned for Sauber when I heard his name (Russell King).”

Ferrari’s Stefano Domenicali however believes the teams should respect the vetting procedures undertaken by BMW.

“I can understand that there are voices around and certain things that are connected to them - but on that respect we have to trust BMW on that issue,” he said.

” They are reliable enough to decide if the company and the new financier of the Sauber team is good enough or not.”

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