HRT to buy Williams gearbox in 2011

UPDATE (GMM) Williams has not denied reports it intends to sell its hydraulic systems and gearboxes to HRT in 2011.

The report emerged in Korea at the weekend, after the famous British team had in September admitted to receiving "enquiries" from other teams about its technical expertise.

"The status quo has not materially changed at the moment," a spokesman told us on Monday.

"We have publicly confirmed that we are amenable to supply elements of our drivetrain technology to other teams, but as yet we have not reached hard agreement with any customers.

"Of course we will make an announcement – or announcements – if and when we enter into any supply agreements," the Williams official added.

10/23/10 (GMM) The struggling HRT team has emerged as a likely customer for technical support by Williams in 2011.

Last month it was reported that famous British team Williams could be set to supply its hydraulic systems and gearboxes to one or more of the sport's small new teams.

In 2010, the standard Xtrac systems have proved outdated and unreliable, and Lotus broke ranks to arrange of a supply of Red Bull's technology for 2011.

"We've had enquiries for our hydraulics and gearbox, we're open to supplying it, but nothing has been agreed at this point," a Williams spokesman told us in September.

The Finnish newspaper Turun Sanomat believes Hispania Racing (HRT), the back-of-the-grid Spanish team, has been in talks with Williams about the systems.