RBS deal 'shows F1's strength'

Sir Frank Williams insists that his team's new sponsorship deal with the Royal Bank of Scotland proves that Formula 1 is still in great health

The recent court disputes involving Bernie Ecclestone and F1's shareholding banks, the ongoing controversies over potential cost-cutting strategies, and the prospect of the breakaway GPWC series commencing in four years' time have not taken the shine off the sport, according to Williams.

"(The RBS deal) speaks the truth that Formula 1 has got a great deal to offer still," said Williams. "The talk about the future of F1 does not depress me at all."

Ecclestone's extraordinarily powerful position has been the source of much controversy, but Williams remains supportive of Bernie and believes that he will remain involved in F1 indefinitely.

"It disappoints me that people see evil everywhere," he said. "F1, for my view, is so dynamic and has got so much energy. It is a fantastic global business and without any criticisms whatsoever one man has made a tremendous fortune out of it - fully to his credit.

"It is a very rich business and it is not going to stop. It may modify in some way, but Bernie will be involved."

According to Williams, F1 is a strong enough entity to withstand all the current controversies.

"It has always got problems, but any sport has got problems," he said. "Remember all the stories about bribery and corruption at the Olympics, did it wobble them? Not a chance mate. These things are big businesses."