At a hastily convened press conference in Canada, WilliamsF1 team boss, Frank Williams, has attempted to calm the - media led - situation that appears to be developing between his team and engine supplier BMW.

In recent days comments made by both members of the WilliamsF1 team and BMW have seemed to suggest that the relationship is rapidly drawing to a close. That said, although many of the comments made by Williams, and partner Patrick Head, were only made public this week, they were made in interviews with the media several weeks ago.

BMW has particularly taken umbrage at Head's comment to Sport Auto Moto, which was made at last month's Monaco GP but only published this week: "Unfortunately our partner chose to tell people they are perfect while accusing us," the Englishman was quoted as saying. "This is honestly something which, besides being very unprofessional, shows very little character."

Head, is known for telling it like it is, at least as he sees it, whereas partner, Frank Williams, favours the diplomatic approach.

Then again, other than the rumours of a buy-out of Sauber, which Theissen is known to favour, it is well known within the pitlane that the movement within the Grove team which saw Head moved sideways and Sam Michael promoted to the role of Technical Director, was largely due to BMW's obsession with image and the desire to give the team a 'younger look'.

Speaking to the media on Saturday, and keen to show that the relationship with BMW is as solid as ever, Williams attempted to distance both he and his team from Head's comments, making it clear that these were Head's personal feelings and that he had not been talking in his position as co-owner, and spokesman, for the team.

"I can assure you in all my time with Mario that I have never wanted to say he is dishonest, because he isn't," said Williams, who sat alongside the German during the press conference.

"The remarks made by Patrick were private and do not reflect the position of this company in respect of Mario or, just as importantly, to BMW," he added.

"I have consistently said, and so has Patrick and Sam Michael, that we wish to see ourselves for many years into the future with BMW and that is 100 percent clear in my mind. All we want is the world's best engine to put in the world's best racing car."

"It is certainly not helpful to have comments like this in an environment like Formula One," said Theissen. "If the comment was from a commentator you could ignore it but Patrick is a part team owner and he carries responsibility for his people and for the team.

Asked about comments that he had made to the German media, in which he claimed that BMW was difficult to work with, Williams replied: "BMW are tough, hard people and that's why they are a very rich and profitable company," he said. "How many pushovers in life do you know who are multi-millionaires or billionaires?"

Frank and Patrick have a long, long history together, and have enjoyed the highs and lows of F1. At this time, the diplomatic approach was definitely the way to go, rather than the straight no nonsense approach.

All seems well... for now.