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2012 will be a transition year for them anyway, what with a new design team that was formed fairly late and the new engines. They just cannot afford another terrible season. Financially, their plan is probably designed on being 6th/7th in the championship, so finishing 9th will hurt them; much like it did Renault a few years back.

You'd like to think they can move forward to at least 8th next year, but you never know. Caterham aren't far behind and if they can bolt KERS on then they'll be closer.

Eras come and go in F1: right now, it's Red Bull's era. 10 years ago that team existed as Jaguar and Williams was winning races and fighting at the front. Who knows what will happen in 10 years time. Red Bull won't be around forever, Lotus will eventually realise that money doesn't grow on trees and Mercedes will tire of funding a team that finishes 4th all the time. Williams are riding the bad times now and will reap success in the future. I'd agree that its difficult to see them reaching the heights of the mid-80s to 90s again, but honestly, anything can happen. Frank is frequently in the Middle East and if he can find one of those rich Sheikhs who currently fund the likes of Man City & PSG, then who knows...

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Dan Wheldon | 1978 - 2011

There are lots of rumours coming out, like the one that Williams would be negotiating with Embratel (that currently sponsors Bruno Senna) or almost getting a deal with Qatari National Bank. It's sad because Williams haven't started 2012 year yet, only one driver confirmed - major pay driver by the way (PDVSA) - no second big sponsorship confirmed so far....when is 2012 begining for Williams? And will it survive through the year?

If there's sponsorship for Marussia, Caterham and even HRT, there must be investments on Williams, why not? Why wouldn't someone big invest on Williams? It's weird specially because Williams should never go out searching and asking for sponsorships but sponsorships that should go and ask permission to invest on the team. There's a big lose of respect to one of F1's most important teams. We're not dealing with HRT or Minardi, we're talking about Williams...

Well with Caterham, their main sponsor is a company which is owned by Fernandes himself.

Williams has a lot of sponsors, just not a main sponsor
http://www.williamsf1.com/team/partners

HRT just has BASE, TATA and one or two others.

To answer the question on why you wouldn't sponsor Williams. Well, at the moment, if you had millions to invest would you want your company's logos on a team that is currently in a slump at the back of the midfield?

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Dan Wheldon | 1978 - 2011

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/96883

Typical FIA, obviously been harassed by the teams/drivers into backing down a bit.

The rule they announced before Christmas was fine and fair, one move to defend your position, that's good enough, you've sacrificed the racing line in order to try and keep your position.

This rule will just add more of a grey area. In the old days the "I was just regaining my racing line" excuse was always used as justification to making two blocks and this will go along the same lines.


Just annoying because the original rule change was clear, this change to the change will add slightly more wiggle room for the drivers to take the piss.

Just saw on Dutch TV that the former F1 "driver" Jos Verstappen has been taken in custody for (once again) assaulting a woman. Few days ago he ran over her on purpose breaking several bones in her body. What a idiot.

[Harsh mode] Maybe if his car got the traction control he could've done a better job [/harshmode]

I see he's moved on from monkey wreches to the skull.

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Dan Wheldon ¦ 1978-2011
Marco Simoncelli ¦ 1987-2011
Jules Bianchi ¦ 1989-2015
Justin Wilson ¦ 1978-2015

Yeah, I know he's mad and I don't care. I do not care. I did not care then. I do not care now. I'm here to race him.

What is it with 1994 Benetton drivers lately?

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Dan Wheldon | 1978 - 2011

Lol, first he slaps children and now he slaps woman, classy.

What a guy.

Children? When what where?

This kind of rule will for sure cause many polemic decisions during 2012, it will allways depend on how the officials will judge the move. Another bad decision by FIA, and that's happening constantly last years, just hope they find a way to make it fair and square for the season oppener in Melbourne.

Also, If you have 1 million to spend your name will be bigger on a HRT or Virgin-Marussia than it will be on a Williams. Mainly due to historical reputation.

Buemi confirmed as reserve driver for both Red Bull and Toro Rosso.

Alguersuari's more worthy.

Yeaa but I don't think he wants to deal with Red Bull any more.

Buemi has proved to be the good boy I think, not necessarily the fastest but he behaved the way Helmut Marko wants young drivers to behave.

Alguersari has been a little more outspoken. With Alguersari it is also more often all or nothing. Alguersari is in my opinion a racer with a little more character compared to Buemi.

Anyhow, Buemi shouldn't be happy with the role. This is a firm relegation for him as he will almost never drive the car.

That's a shame for Jaime as I thought he was more suited for that seat.

So where will he go then? HRT due to the Spanish connections? But I doubt it.

Good decision by Red Bull. If Vettel or Webber become unable to drive, then promoting Vergne or Ricciardo would upset the order. Buemi isn't a huge threat to anyone but he is a safe pair of hands. They obviously know him well from several years of simulator work and maybe they value his work too.

Anyway, here's Kimi's seat fitting


And time for shameless plugging
http://shortyawards.com/category/f1
http://t.co/NMglTXVz

Please

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Dan Wheldon | 1978 - 2011

Williams news; Saward is reporting that Williams is close to a deal with QTel, a Qatar-based telecommunications company.

QTel's logo is blue and white, which would allow the team to retain a similar livery.

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Dan Wheldon ¦ 1978-2011
Marco Simoncelli ¦ 1987-2011
Jules Bianchi ¦ 1989-2015
Justin Wilson ¦ 1978-2015

Yeah, I know he's mad and I don't care. I do not care. I did not care then. I do not care now. I'm here to race him.