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Nicolas Hamilton's BTCC season saved by Williams Formula 1 sponsor

Nicolas Hamilton's British Touring Car Championship season has been saved after the loss of a secondary sponsor almost forced him to miss this weekend's event at Knockhill

Hamilton's title sponsor Rokit has stepped in to plug the gap left by Duo, which is understood to have withdrawn from its deal.

ROKiT chairman Jonathan Kendrick has agreed to top-up Hamilton's budget with extra backing via his German ABK beer brand which, like ROKiT, is also associated with the Williams Formula 1 team.

Motorbase Ford Focus driver Hamilton currently lies 30th in the BTCC standings, with rounds at Knockhill, Silverstone and Brands Hatch remaining on the schedule.

"Our support of Nic has never been about his achieving podium finishes in the early stages of his BTCC career," said Kendrick.

"His determination and 'can-do' attitude, plus his desire to inspire others, is what motivates us to support him and we are extremely proud to be a part of this journey with him.

"Nic got in touch with me this week, as a last resort, to ask me to at least support him to the next BTCC event at Knockhill and, as we pride ourselves on being a company that helps others when we can, I thought it only right to increase our support to cover the shortfall left by DUO.

"Nicolas has been a great ambassador for us so far this year and so it is only right that we continue to support him, particularly in the toughest of times.

"Nic not completing his debut season would have been a tragedy for him. He's such an inspiration to others who are battling against the odds and we are pleased to increase our support for him."

Hamilton - who drives a specially adapted Focus due to his cerebral palsy - said: "Whilst many people make assumptions about how or where I raise the money to race, it is crucial to me, for what I am trying to achieve and how I want to motivate others, that I raise the money myself."

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