Oct.2 (GMM) Williams has now formally requested to withdraw from its customer engine supply contract with Toyota, the latter team's president John Howett confirmed to reporters at Suzuka on Friday.
Grove based Williams has been rethinking its engine supply options for 2010, with Cosworth and Renault believed to be at the top of the list."We are happy to supply Williams (but) they don't want our engine," said Howett, amid speculation in the Suzuka paddock that a deal between Williams and Cosworth is close to being signed."If they want the engine it's still available but I think now we have separated for various reasons," he added.Howett has previously confirmed that Toyota would not hold Williams to its 2010 contract, because the intention of the agreement is to support independent teams.It is also rumoured that other teams, for instance USF1, may be interested in taking over Williams' Toyota engine supply."Our position is that if they (Williams) don't want it then fine, we are talking to other people for a supply," Howett confirmed.USF1, as well as the other three confirmed new teams for 2010, are all contracted to use Cosworth power next year."We've got more than one team asking for it (the engine)," Howett continued. "Some are unable, I think, without a breach of contract to do that."It is rumoured that Cosworth would allow a contract breach, particularly if Williams' talks with the independent British engine maker come to fruition.
