Williams splits from its engine supplier Toyota

The Williams team confirmed this Wednesday that it intends to stop using Toyota engines at the end of this year. The British team’s cars have been powered by V8 engines from the Japanese manufacturer from 2007 to the present, and during this period, they scored 93.5 points together in the world championship, including three podiums.

« At a time when we were in great difficulty, Toyota stepped in and agreed to supply us with engines from 2007 until the end of 2009 », says Frank Williams. « Toyota was a very honest partner, who always respected our independence and provided us with a top-notch technical product ».

The Williams team had experienced a six-year-long season with BMW. This came to an end at the end of 2005 when the German car manufacturer began its relationship with Sauber. Then the team used Cosworth engines for their 2006 campaign, before partnering with Toyota. This contract was extended earlier this year but was terminated by mutual agreement at Williams’ request.

« We are proud of what we have been able to achieve with a great company, and we are grateful to the whole team in Cologne for their support », added Franck Williams. « I want to extend our gratitude to the Toyota engineers and technicians who have worked tirelessly within our team for the past three years ».

Tadashi Yamashina, President of Toyota Motorsport, stated: « We have enjoyed a very productive working relationship with Williams and I believe both companies have benefited from this partnership. We respect Williams’ wish to explore other possibilities and I wish them good luck for the future. »

Williams management stated that their new engine supplier would be announced in due course. The team has been linked with both Renault and Cosworth for the next season.