Michael denies BMW split.

Williams technical director Sam Michael has played down speculation that the team may be on the verge of parting with engine supplier BMW after a difficult start to the 2005 season.

Speaking at the Monaco Grand Prix, Michael said that, as far as he was concerned, the two parties would continue to work together in the future. The rumour mill, however, sees things differently, with talk of BMW linking up with Sauber - possibly even considering a buy-out of the Swiss team - leading to reports of an untreatable rift between the German giant and Williams. The grapevine suggests that Williams is already negotiating with possible replacements, with Cosworth - currently without a home for its under-development V8 - the favourite to take over from BMW should the five-year marriage fall apart.

"The Williams and BMW relationship is a very strong relationship at the moment, from an engineering level all the way up to board level at AG," Michael insisted, "The whole company has exactly the same philosophy and desires as Williams, and both teams want to win. They both also agree on how they go about doing their winning.

"But, in terms of the future, I think BMW has already gone on record as saying that not continuing with Williams is not an option. We fully expect to continue with BMW. There's a difference between putting pressure on yourself to try and perform, and the ultimate thing where somebody decides to go somewhere else. BMW is in the middle of making their decision and we fully respect that process."

BMW is fully expected to announce some sort of deal with Sauber before the end of the season, particularly as Red Bull Racing has agreed to use a customer supply of Ferrari engines similar to those currently employed by the Swiss team.