Williams secures partnership deal with Polish oil firm for F1 2019

Williams has announced a new partnership with Polish fuel and energy brand PKN Orlen for the 2019 Formula 1 season.

The Polish-based oil and petrol retailer is a customer-orientated petrochemical business that holds a presence in over 90 countries and is considered a leading player in the fuels and energy market.

The agreement will see PKN ORLEN branding feature heavily on Williams’ 2019 car and team kit, including logos on the rear wing, nose, intake system and mirrors on the FW42, which will be driven by Robert Kubica and 2018 Formula 2 champion George Russell.

“We are pleased to announce that PKN ORLEN will partner Williams Racing for the 2019 season,” said deputy team principal Claire Williams.

“Williams stands for technology, innovation and top-class engineering, and these synergies with PKN ORLEN will help drive our partnership forward.”

PKN ORLEN CEO Daniel Obajtel highlighted that Kubica, who will complete a sensational return to grand prix racing in 2019, was a key influence in the company’s decision to enter F1.

“Cooperation between PKN ORLEN and Williams Racing starts a new era for motorsports in Poland, as well as building the global reach of our brand,” Obajtel added.

“It is worth remembering that ORLEN Group has assets in five countries in Europe and North America today. Our products are available in over 90 countries around the world.

“This means that we are looking for global communication channels to establish an international position.

“Involvement in Formula 1 racing is one of the most effective ways to promote our brand through sports sponsorship, and we are delighted to be entering the sport with Williams.

“With the team having just announced Robert Kubica as a race driver for 2019, the only Pole to have participated in Formula 1, we want to accompany him on his journey back to the top.”

The deal represents a boost for the British squad heading into next season, having decided to end its Martini title sponsorship at the end of the 2018 campaign.

Williams also lost financial support from SMP Racing following Sergey Sirotkin’s departure from the team at the end of a woeful season that saw the team slip to the bottom of the constructors’ championship.