New sponsor keeps Williams on track.
GROVE, England—Williams F1 racing, a team that has been in the sport since the 1970s, launched its challenger for 2019 with a new sponsor and new drivers. The announcement was made Monday at company headquarters in Grove, England.
Photo courtesy Essentially Sports
No longer under contract with Italian liquor sponsor, Martini and Rossi, the squad now will race under the title of communications discount manufacturer Rokit–a name that will stand out on its new FW42 car.
Jonathan Kendrick, the CEO in charge of ROK (the company that owns Rokit) commented on the company’s involvement with the highest form of motorsport: “With Rokit launching in 2019, we wanted a global platform that would help us tell our story of innovation.”
“Williams Racing is our perfect partner,” he continued. “With them, we can bring F1 to audiences in new and pioneering ways. Through our glasses, 3D technology, and w-fi capabilities, we want to make Formula 1 accessible to all. Williams Racing is in the top echelon of motor racing, and we see our partnership with Williams as the beginning of an ambitious and exciting road back to the podium.”
Deputy Team Principal Claire Williams was also glad to have Rokit as a major sponsor for the team. “We are delighted to welcome Rokit to our team–as title sponsor for the 2019 season and beyond,” she said. “We share values and aspirations, primarily putting engineering and innovation at the core of everything we do–to be the best. It’s the perfect platform from which to start a partnership.”
The car will continue to be supplied with Mercedes engines, but that’s where continuity ends. Two new drivers–one is in his rookie season, and the other is making a comeback after many seasons away from the sport.
George Russell makes his F1 debut, becoming one of two British rookie drivers for 2019. The other new driver is Polish pilot Robert Kubica, who drove last in 2010 at Renault. But an off-season accident in Italy nearly ended his career. His right hand was severely injured.
The good news is that perseverance led to Kubica’s return. He returned last season at Williams as reserve driver, driving in testing and Friday practice. Thanks to additional sponsorships from his home country, Kubica is now back in the driver’s seat.
The same can be said about Williams. A new sponsor is keeping it on track. With luck, this team will remain in the sport for years to come.
