From GMM
Williams will become Renault's fourth formula one engine customer in 2012, the British team and the French marque announced on Monday.
Both sides said the deal covers the 2012 and 2013 seasons and possibly also 2014 and beyond when the sport switches to turbo V6s.
"We are already working on an extension for the new engine formula," confirmed Williams chief executive Adam Parr.
Williams, struggling this season with Cosworth power, won its last title with works Renault power in 1997.
"Williams has recently taken several important steps, both commercially and technically, to update its operations and we feel that this partnership is another important step in its rigorous plan," said Renault Sport F1 president Bernard Rey.
Meanwhile, Rubens Barrichello, whose eighteen seasons and more than 300 grands prix makes him the most experienced driver in F1 history, is preparing to sign up for another year.
"Next year it's got to be a big improvement, it's got to be a big thing, and I want to be part of it as I have been for the last two years and that's why I want to be present to make sure that we are actually making the step up," he said.
The Grove based team is suffering a tough transitional period this season, in the process of splitting with Sam Michael and setting in a new direction with the formerly-banned McLaren chief designer Mike Coughlan.
Williams will become Renault's fourth formula one engine customer in 2012, the British team and the French marque announced on Monday.
Both sides said the deal covers the 2012 and 2013 seasons and possibly also 2014 and beyond when the sport switches to turbo V6s.
"We are already working on an extension for the new engine formula," confirmed Williams chief executive Adam Parr.
Williams, struggling this season with Cosworth power, won its last title with works Renault power in 1997.
"Williams has recently taken several important steps, both commercially and technically, to update its operations and we feel that this partnership is another important step in its rigorous plan," said Renault Sport F1 president Bernard Rey.
Meanwhile, Rubens Barrichello, whose eighteen seasons and more than 300 grands prix makes him the most experienced driver in F1 history, is preparing to sign up for another year.
"Next year it's got to be a big improvement, it's got to be a big thing, and I want to be part of it as I have been for the last two years and that's why I want to be present to make sure that we are actually making the step up," he said.
The Grove based team is suffering a tough transitional period this season, in the process of splitting with Sam Michael and setting in a new direction with the formerly-banned McLaren chief designer Mike Coughlan.