LONDON: Williams have signed a multi-year partnership with Brazilian oil company Petrobras, the Formula One team said on Tuesday.
The former champions had Venezuelan state oil company PDVSA as their biggest sponsor until Venezuelan Pastor Maldonado left at the end of last season. They have now signed Brazilian Felipe Massa from Ferrari as one of their two drivers for 2014.
“Petrobras and Williams have had a successful partnership before and we are both looking forward to reuniting for 2014,” said founder Frank Williams in a statement. “Technologically they are very strong and that will be important for the team as the new regulations have made fuel efficiency increasingly important.”
MANAMA: Having trialled their new 1.6-litre turbo-powered cars in Spain last month, the F1 teams travel to Bahrain this week to continue their preparations for the 2014 season in the heat of the desert.
Will the Mercedes-and Ferrari-powered cars carry their promising form into Sakhir? Can world champions Red Bull overcome their early teething problems? And how will Lotus’ new E22 perform in its first public outing?
All the answers will pop up during the second pre-season test of the year. The first race of the new season will be held from March 14 to 16. AGENCIES
