Frank Williams wants his F1 team to be used to run Volkswagen Group’s expected entry into the sport from 2013, according to a report in Germany.
Williams last won a race in 2004 when it was supported by the works BMW outfit, before it switched to Sauber. The British team has used Toyota and Cosworth engines since then in a period of relative uncompetitiveness and Williams is keen to see works power return to the team.
“We are stronger with a manufacturer than as a private team,” Williams told Bild. “No question. And of course we have an affinity with Germany. I remember well, quite early on, we went to the races with VW buses - we sometimes even slept in them.
"German cars are great. With Mercedes, Brawn won the title last year, and with McLaren in the previous year. And now they [Mercedes] are up there with their own team.”
Bild claims Williams, who sold a 20 per cent stake in his team Austrian Toto Wolff over the winter, could sell his remaining stake to VW if it decides to enter the sport.
VW’s motorsport chief Kris Nissen wants the sport to improve its image, drive down costs and improve its stability before the group commits itself to F1, previously claiming the Group would continue to concentrate on its successful Dakar Rally programme for at least two more years.
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