Have they jumped, or has someone pushed in with a better offer?
This may be why the team is taking so long over the 2nd race seat, do they need a new title sponsor or just some extra cash, with no clash of interest, from one of the experienced drivers available? The Williams outfit has lost one its biggest financial backers and title sponsor, US telecommunications giant AT&T, which has been with the team since 2007.
Whilst an official announcement is yet to be made, the teams website now points to
www.williamsf1.com, rather than
www.attwilliams.com and all AT&T branding has been removed from the Williams logo, which has reverted to the outfit's standard 'W'.
The company is no longer listed as title sponsor in the 'Partners' section, but remains listed, suggesting AT&T may remain with reduced backing.
This would also support speculation that Williams have secured a new title sponsor, most likely that of the Qatari National Bank (QNB), which many in the paddock believed to have been in the final stages of agreeing a deal at the end of 2011.
Thef1times.com, Today.