Williams Regret Bmw Split

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BMW exit a 'major regret' - 18 November 2005

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 marriage ... 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