Talking in Barcelona, BMW Motorsport boss Mario Theissen confirmed that the proposed deal to supply Sauber with power-plants in 2006 could be finalized next month.

The German revealed that talks have gone well: "It's not just about money, it's much more about how to co-operate and how to make it work," he said.

"Some problems have to be solved to make our engine work in their car next year and that's why its not completed yet," he admitted. "We are making progress, I don't see us under pressure and I expect an agreement before the end of June probably. I think there is quite a high probability that we end up with a deal."

Until now, WilliamsF1 has enjoyed an exclusive partnership with BMW, and there is speculation that the English team could suffer if the German manufacturer supplies a second team. Furthermore, there has been speculation that BMW might actually purchase Sauber and field its own team.

"That is speculation," said Theissen, "and we generally don't comment on speculation.

"We have the desire to be successful in Formula One," he continued, "It doesn't matter too much in which role and that is why we entered the partnership with Williams several years ago."

Asked if there was any chance that his company might end its partnership with WilliamsF1, Theissen replied; "That is not on the agenda".