BAR and Williams expect Formula One's contract recognition board to meet on September 26th to decide which of the teams has the right to Briton Jenson Button's services next year.
"I believe it is going to take place on the Sunday of the Chinese Grand Prix," Frank Williams said.
BAR boss David Richards said he had also been told that was the likely date.
BMW-powered Williams and Honda partners BAR are at loggerheads over the 24-year-old driver, with both teams registering contracts for him. Button is currently with BAR but wants to move to Williams. Both have agreed to abide by the board's decision.
Williams said it could be several more weeks before the CRB published its decision.
"The last time I was up before the board it was about three weeks, I would say, maybe longer. They have to consider all the evidence, they have to go away, discuss it together, look at their notes," he said.