Williams F1 concludes Toyota engine partnership

Williams F1 today confirmed that its engine partnership with Toyota will cease at the end of 2009.

Frank Williams, Team Principal, said “At a time of great difficulty for us as a team, Toyota stepped forward and agreed to supply us with engines for 2007 through to the end of 2009.

Toyota has been a very decent partner who have always respected our independence and provided us with a first-rate technical product. We are proud that we have been able to work with such a great company and we are grateful to the team in Cologne for their support. I would like to single out for our thanks the Toyota engineers and technicians who have worked within our race team tirelessly for the past three years.”

Tadashi Yamashina, Chairman of Toyota Motorsport, said: "We have enjoyed a productive working relationship with Williams and I believe both companies have benefited from that partnership. We respect the wishes of Williams to look for other opportunities and wish them well for the future."

Since the partnership began, Toyota engines have powered 10 podium finishes; three for AT&T Williams.

Williams will confirm its engine partner for 2010 in due course.