McLaren lend support to Williams

[Timmy]

Williams' chances of racing at the Monaco Grand Prix have been boosted due to McLaren's offer to loan equipment.

Williams' garage was severely damaged by a fire on Sunday, less than two hours after the British Formula One team won their first GP in over seven years.

Pastor Maldonado took the chequered flag at the Spanish GP, but around 90 minutes later Williams' celebrations were halted as a fire started in the fuel area of their garage.

But Sir Frank Williams, the team principal, confirmed on Tuesday that McLaren will loan equipment to ensure his team can race in Monaco on May 27.

That offer from McLaren came on the back of the rapid response from F1 teams to fight Sunday's fire.

"Everyone at Williams F1 is extremely relieved the event was contained as quickly as it was and the damage which occurred was, relatively speaking, limited in its nature," Williams said.

"While the incident was unexpected and definitely most undesirable, it has demonstrated the genuine cohesiveness that exists within the Formula One paddock.

"The astonishing response from the teams and other paddock personnel was immediate, unconditional and overwhelming."

Only one F1 team member, from Williams, remains in hospital after Sunday's fire but the signs look good.

"He is stable and will return to the UK within the next 48 hours to receive further medical care," Williams said.

"His family are in constant communication and he is in good spirits."