New sponsor bought into Claire Williams' 'vision, passion and drive'

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New F1 sponsor ROKiT says it was approached by several teams for a 2019 deal, but ultimately settled on Williams after a 45-minute meeting with its deputy team principal.

Williams introduced yesterday a new-look livery linked to its new title sponsor ROKiT, a new global telco company, that replaces Martini as the Grove-based outfit's major commercial partner.

ROKiT co-founder Jonathan Kendrick was keen on securing a global platform on which the company can promote its products, and Formula 1 evidently fit the bill, with several opportunities.

Williams unveils new-look 2019 charger and new title sponsor!

"We were approached by three or four other Formula 1 teams when they realised we were in the market," said Kendrick at yesterday's launch.

"And the reason we’re with Williams is it’s British, I’m British, my company’s British.

"I love the fact that the Williams name has been above the garage now for a lot longer than other teams that are not here anymore: Tyrrell, Lotus, BRM, Cooper, Brabham – Williams is still standing.

"That was one reason. And the other reason quite bluntly is this lady here, Claire.

"So I met Claire, had a great meeting, bought into her vision, her passion, her drive and strategy. And basically I was all-in in about 45 minutes."

Claire Williams obviously expressed her delight to welcome ROKiT onboard, and revealed what she believed had been the single most important thing that sealed Williams' deal with its new partner.

"Jonathan is a big fan of HP sauce, and he said to me when he was flying in, ‘I’m going to need a bacon roll with some HP sauce’," she recounted.

"That first meeting there was a bottle of HP signed by both our racing drivers. And I think the deal was pretty much done then!"

Kendrick also said that ROKiT's involvement in F1 had brought him full circle with regard to the sport.

"I was a Goodyear tyre engineer when I was 20 years old in Wolverhampton," he explained.

"All Goodyear racing tyres for Formula 1 were made in Wolverhampton, where I was born. And in 1978 they sent me out to look after the new team in Buenos Aires

"And quite remarkably I was the tyre engineer for Alan Jones and Frank at the first race in Argentina. And 41 years later here I am as the title sponsor!

"It’s a dream come true and I’m very proud to be sat here."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.