Williams deny Rowland in the running for 2018 race seat
- Published on 09 Dec 2017 10:05
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- By: Fergal Walsh
Williams has denied that Briton Oliver Rowland is a contender for a 2018 racing seat with the Grove-based squad. Rowland is currently a development driver for Renault and had not been considered for a place at Williams up to this point.
Williams is searching for a driver to replace Felipe Massa, who retired from the sport at the end of the 2017 season. On Friday, Rowland's team released a statement which claimed he was in the running for a 2018 seat.
"F1 Renault development driver Oliver Rowland is in talks with Williams about securing a seat for Formula 1 in 2018," it read. "The 25-year-old hasn't been considered an option until now, with Williams still undecided of who to put in the car next year."
Rowland added: "My team is in talks with Williams, as they are with other teams. British car, British driver it fits well. Lots of drivers seem to be in the frame for 2018, so we will just have to see what happens."
Williams has since denied that Rowland is a candidate to replace Massa, reported by Autosport. No negotiations have taken place around that particular matter, but it is believed talks have been held regarding a third driver role.
Fergal Walsh
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Replies (3)
Login to replycalle.itw
Posts: 8,527
I think they want a more mature driver. Wouldnt surprise me if they tried to go after Button, even if he is done with F1.
Kean
Posts: 692
Why do you think Williams is taking so long to decide who will drive for them. There must be a shortage of drivers that meets their criteria, which I suspect are: Over 25 years old, because of Martine sponsorship, brings sponsorship since Williams will be losing a few sponsors as I understand it, and lastly fast. If the driver is under 25, I suspect that he will need to bring a lot more sponsorship so they can pay off Martini. Out of the drivers being considered, who meets these criteria best? I suspect that Kvyat and DiResta won't bring sponsors so I guess their out, even though DiResta was reportedly faster than Kubica in Hungary. The money Williams can get from Mercedes by signing Wehrlein is likey not enough to pay off Martini, and I don't think Williams rate Wehrlein that high anyway. That leaves Kubica and Sirotkin, and it seems Sirotkin impressed in Abu Dahbi on the soft tyre, but does he bring enough money. Kubica is old enough and will bring two sponsors with him, but has he impressed in the tests?
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Yup, this is pretty much my take on it aswell. Time will tell. But Williams really need the money from Martini, so it wouldnt surprise me if that might be the deciding factor, along with the huge fanbacking they'd get for hiring Kubica.