The last few days have seen an increase in the speculation regarding the future of the partnership between WilliamsF1 and their engine partner BMW. The view has been put forward that BMW would split with WilliamsF1 and purchase the Sauber team to create their own works team.

Currently the WilliamsF1 team has a contract with BMW up to 2009, but there have been reports that BMW is not happy with the results that have been achieved winning only ten races.

Now it is the turn of team head Frank Williams to respond to such speculation. In a statement he made it clear that the relationship between WilliamsF1 and BMW was long-term.

In the statement Frank Williams said: "It is well known that Williams never comments on contractual matters.

"We have a long-term alliance with BMW and we are very, very happy with it. Any close partnership like this will have the occasional issue, but fundamentally we have an excellent team."

As for the possibility that BMW would supply engines to another team  Williams added: "Several weeks ago, five of the manufacturers announced they would supply independent teams with an engine -- i.e. every manufacturer would provide a second team with an engine.

"We strongly support this initiative because it underpins the future of Formula One."

As for the continued speculation Williams concluded by saying: "There are plenty of reasons why these rumours are perpetuated. But the facts are quite simple from our perspective.

"BMW are our choice of engine supplier. We have a long-term alliance with BMW with which we are extremely happy."