Bmw Leaves Zanardi Decision To Williams.
Engine supplier BMW has said that it will play no part in the decision on Alex Zanardi's future with Williams, insisting that the team make up its own mind.
According to BMW motorsport boss Gerhard Berger, the Italian disappointed in 1999 but no pressure will be placed on his employer to replace him, despite rumours that Jacques Villeneuve and Olivier Panis are ready to step in. Zanardi is only mid-way through a two-year contract, and is expected to be given another chance to raise his game - as Heinz-Harald Frentzen was during his spell with the Grove outfit.
Engine supplier BMW has said that it will play no part in the decision on Alex Zanardi's future with Williams, insisting that the team make up its own mind.
According to BMW motorsport boss Gerhard Berger, the Italian disappointed in 1999 but no pressure will be placed on his employer to replace him, despite rumours that Jacques Villeneuve and Olivier Panis are ready to step in. Zanardi is only mid-way through a two-year contract, and is expected to be given another chance to raise his game - as Heinz-Harald Frentzen was during his spell with the Grove outfit.
"All driver matters are in the hands of Frank Williams," Berger insisted, "We fully trust their expertise on this matter, and do not intend to interfere with their plans - they will take the right actions whenever they regard it necessary. You must keep in mind that Zanardi has a contract, and Frank Williams is not a man to break contracts."
The threat to Zanardi's seat faded slightly this week, when it emerged that Villeneuve intends to stick with British American Racing for the duration of his agreement. The Canadian had warned that he would quit the struggling F1 debutant should former manager Craig Pollock be forced out, but has now said that he will honour his contract.
