LONDON, ENGLAND (AFP) - Williams said Wednesday they are ending their engine supply deal with Japanese manufacturer Toyota at the end of the season, in an expected announcement that leaves the British team free to search for a new supplier for 2010.

Williams team boss Frank Williams said: "At a time of great difficulty for us as a team, Toyota stepped forward and agreed to supply us with engines for 2007 through to the end of 2009.

"Toyota has been a very decent partner who have always respected our independence and provided us with a first-rate technical product. We are proud that we have been able to work with such a great company and we are grateful to the team in Cologne for their support."

Renault and Cosworth have both been linked as possible replacements.

Toyota motorsport boss Tadashi Yamashina said: "We have enjoyed a productive working relationship with Williams and I believe both companies have benefited from that partnership. We respect the wishes of Williams to look for other opportunities and wish them well for the future."

Brawn GP driver Rubens Barrichello meanwhile revealed he has had talks with Williams.

"I haven't signed with anybody yet. But it's true that I'm talking with Williams and Brawn," the 37-year-old, who trails championship leader and Brawn team-mate Jenson Button by 14 points ahead of his home race at Interlagos this weekend, said in quotes reported by The Guardian newspaper.