The latest draft of the document was being assessed by their World Motor Sport Council and 'should be ready for signature' by the end of this week, subject to confirmation that a satisfactory inter-team cost-reduction agreement is in place.

BMW is going through a frustrating season on the track. Last year, Polish driver Robert Kubica led the championship at the halfway stage before the team dropped away in the latter stages. This year, Kubica has just two points to his name after 10 races, with German team mate Nick Heidfeld not much better off with six points.

Kubica might try out his luck as a rally driver and can also get a chance to impress Ferrari as a replacement for injured driver Felipe Massa.