Williams don't need 'works' partnership

(Williams Martini Racing Team)

The Williams Martini Racing Team do not need a 'works' engine deal like the way Ferrari and Mercedes have in order to succeed in F1, that is the claim of the Grove based outfits Head of Performance Engineering Rob Smedley who joined the team from Ferrari earlier this season. Williams have joined forces with Mercedes who have provided the team with an extremely competitive power unit package.

The team have re emerged as a Formula One front runner this season and are currently in fourth place in the Constructors championship having picked up three consecutive podium finishes during the season so far and have scored point's in every race of the season.

It is understood that the power unit supply deal that the team have with the Silver Arrows is for seven years including the 2014 season although this has not been confirmed by the team. 

The team have had their best start to a Formula One season in many years and have done a fantastic job with the development of the FW36. Felipe Massa and Valtteri Bottas believe that at the next two Grand Prix in Spa Francorchamps in Belgium and the Italian Grand Prix in Monza are the teams best opportunity to challenge Mercedes for the race win.

Despite reigning world champions Infiniti Red Bull Racing having a close relationship with their power unit supplier Renault, Smedley does not see this as a 'works' relationship between the two parties as the cars and power unit's are not built in house alongside the F1 cars like they are with Ferrari and Mercedes.

Heading to the Belgian Grand Prix Williams Martini Racing are just seven points behind the Ferrari team in third place.

The team have done a fantastic job to turn things around so drastically compared to where they were this time last year. In 2013, Williams scored just five points and this season the team have an incredible 135 points. The last time the outfit scored over 100 points was in 2003 when the team has a engine deal with BMW. The team finished the season in 2nd place in the Constructors championship on 144 points when less points were awarded.

This season absolutely anything is possible as double points will be awarded for the final race.

©Ben Johnston 2014