Sir Frank Williams says he is hoping for a long-term collaboration with his Grove based team’s current engine partner, Toyota.

The Japanese manufacturer has struggled for success since it entered formula one in 2002, but Williams said: “I would be pleased if Toyota reached its goals.

“Hopefully they can be a long term partner for us,” the Briton told the German specialist magazine Auto Motor und Sport.

Williams insists that finishing a full ten points ahead of its works partner in 2007 did not damage his relationship with Toyota, whose formula one team is based in Cologne.

“Whether or not we are in front or behind Toyota is irrelevant, as long as we are not right at the front,” he said.

Meanwhile, Williams’ stance against ‘customer cars’ was last week cited as a principal reason for Prodrive calling off its planned 2008 debut.

The 65-year-old seems unapologetic.

“I do not want to be suddenly fighting against four rather than two McLarens,” he said.

“That could ruin me. So even Bernie Ecclestone’s proposal that these (customer) teams get paid less does not interest me,” Williams added.

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