Williams-Toyota for 2007, 2008 and 2009

By Karl King
July 28 2006

It was becoming a case of when rather than if, but it is now official. WilliamsF1 will race the 2007, 2008 and 2009 seasons using the same specification Toyota engine as the Panasonic Toyota Racing Team does.

WilliamsF1, seeking a return to past form in the near future have decided not to extend their one-year deal with Cosworth, but instead switch to the Japanese carmaker for it's V8 engines in a three-year deal.

Toyota began providing engines to other teams in 2005, when Eddie Jordan secured a deal for his ailing team. When the Midland group purchased Jordan, the deal continued with MF1 through to 2006. However, this is the first team that really looks that it could actually fight Toyota in the race with the same spec engine.

WilliamsF1 Prinicipal, Sir Frank Williams said, "This agreement is the cornerstone of Williams' challenge for the World Championship. Toyota is an impressive and remarkable industrial giant, with the most phenomenal reputation for achieving the goals it sets itself. We are proud to have secured their support in our efforts to return to our competitive best."

President of Toyota Motorsport, John Howett comented, "We are pleased to be selected as the engine provider to Williams and look forward to establish a strong relationship with them. We look forward to both teams using each other as a comparative benchmark from which each can improve its own performance and to competing with each other at the front of the grid."