Whose engine will power the Williams F1?

[hut49]

A announcement on BMW's relationship with Williams F1 is expected this month.If BMW elect to enter F1 in 2005, as is their right, on the basis of the engine platform they developed for the Williams chassis, who will Williams turn to for their engine?

Could we see a chest-thumping entry from MG to add further weight to their "power" image? A Williams MG could be a nice platform to bring Jenson Button back to! Any other ideas?

[RichB]

But MG don't actually make engines do they, so how would your idea work? Williams/MG powered by Ford V8! Don't think so...

[bennno]

and jenson is signed to BAR for the next 3 years

i guess MG probably cant afford to develop a F1 engine given the costs are so stratospheric and they arent doing that well (ie still making a loss)

Bennno

[egomeister]

It would be fantastic to see a Williams-MG link up, a true British team once again! As has been mentioned it would probably be beyond MG's resources to develop an F1 engine though...

[viperman]

so are BMW def not goin to cntinue their cntract with williams, its silly really as williams are very good and it would cost allo morefor BMW to make and design a chassis aswell.

[Ballistic Banana]

Personally i dont think BMW will be departing from Williams F1 as there is no other team (except Ferrari) that has what Williams Has in terms of a A whole F1 Package.
BMW probably need WilliamsF1 more than vice versa.

BB

[hut49]

RichB said: But MG don't actually make engines do they, so how would your idea work? Williams/MG powered by Ford V8! Don't think so...

How about through an MG/AER collaboration? Advanced Engine Research supplied MG with engines for their MG-ZS in the BTCC championship but they also supplied the LMP675 engine for MG's Le Mans entries in 2001/2. They also have F1 and F3 experience.

OK, it's a fair cop - I'm just dreaming but I can't believe someone at MG hasn't at least thought it through. What a great branding opportunity!

Hell, if MG don't take it up maybe we might see a Peter Wheeler V12 AJP powered Williams entry?

Hutch

:PerhapsI'dbettergoandliedownuntilthesedellusionsgoaway:

[andymadmak]

MG also has a tie up with Judd, they are to supply MG badged V8s for one of this years USA based championships (CART?)
Andy 400se

[GrahamG]

The CART - MG tie in was axed 2 or three months ago

[Animal]

Agree with the point that a Williams engine partnership would be tempting for any manufacturer, but BMW's best chance of success surely comes from staying with one of the best teams in F1 past or present?

[andymadmak]

GrahamG said: The CART - MG tie in was axed 2 or three months ago

Oh well, you learn something new every day!
Andy 400se

[hut49]

Animal said: Agree with the point that a Williams engine partnership would be tempting for any manufacturer, but BMW's best chance of success surely comes from staying with one of the best teams in F1 past or present?

But doesn't being seen as just an engine supplier rather weaken opportunities to project BMW brand values? I think BMW need global presence and will build on the successful FI investment they've made over the past 4 years, to bring their unified BMW engine/design/drivability brand into the global media mix.

That leaves Williams engine-less unless of course BMW continue to supply engines to Williams as well.

I still think there's an opportunity for MG here. They've demonstrated b@lls beyond what anyone could have reasonably expected over the past 2-3 years, they're on a roll and I think they (and others) may well see the opportunity to throw an MG saddle on the Williams horse. Whether it proves to be a sensible decision will have to wait for results but what better place to invest your future than in the proven Williams organisation.

Hutch

[Fourwheeldrift]

I've heard Skoda are looking for "new" motorsport challenges!!!

[steviebee]

Given that Mercedes doesn't actually make their F1 engine, nor does Jaguar whose engine Jordan will be running next year but called a Ford, MG could well get into F1. just stick a badge on any thing. Us public and fans won't notice 'cos we really, truly think that it makes our road cars go faster too!

Yours - cynical cid.

(by the way - regardless of other comments, an MG trouncing BMW on the track would be akin to the England -Argentina match)

[nws25]

mercedes technically do make their own engine as they now own ilmor