Williams blocking moves for 14th team in 2010

Williams is opposing the FIA's efforts to expand the maximum 2010 grid from 13 to 14 teams.

BMW-Sauber's new owner Qadbak needs the rule change, which can only be effected by unanimous team consent, in order to secure a guaranteed place on next year's grid.

Williams technical director Sam Michael is quoted as defending the decision to block the 14th team on the basis that it is likely that not all four of the confirmed new teams will actually make it to the Bahrain 2010 grid.

"Therefore the question (of a 14th team) will not arise at all," Michael said.

The German report named USF1 as perhaps the most likely of the four new teams to fail to debut in 2010.

Auto Motor und Sport said the team is yet to install any manufacturing equipment at its Charlotte base, and recently called off a technical meeting with engine supplier Cosworth.

It is also reported that the FIA intends to keep a close eye on the progress of the outfit, whose figurehead is the British journalist Peter Windsor.

Another rumour espoused by the magazine is that Ron Dennis is planning to attend November's Abu Dhabi finale. Fascinatingly, the race will be the first event since 1993 in the wake of his nemesis Max Mosley's 16 year reign as FIA president.