Martini returns to F1posted in F106 | 03 | 2014

WILLIAMS HAS UNVEILED its Martini livery for the 2014 Formula One season. The legendary colours return to grand prix racing as part of a new multi-year title sponsorship deal.

The new deal revives the striped colour scheme last seen on the Brabham cars in 1975. It also marks Martini's largest F1 programme since it backed Lotus in 1979.

"We are thrilled to welcome Martini to the Williams family and officially launch Williams Martini Racing," team founder Sir Frank Williams said today.

"Williams and Martini share a rich history in the world of motorsport, and the values of our two brands and our shared passion for racing make this partnership a natural fit.

"It will be great to see the distinctive stripes of Martini Racing return to Formula 1 once again in unison with Williams."

Related: David Coulthard eyes Jenson Button for F1 title

Andy Gibson, president of Martini parent company Bacardi Global Brands, added: "Williams Martini Racing provides a powerful, integrated marketing platform and delivers dynamic opportunities that will strengthen the Martini brand."

After its troubled season last year, 2014 is looking good for the Mercedes-powered Williams. It finished the final pre-season test at Bahrain topping the timesheets.

"Over the winter we have proved our ambition by making a number of positive changes," Williams continued. "We welcome a new driver pairing — Felipe Massa and Valtteri Bottas — new senior technical personnel, and a number of new commercial partners for 2014.

"In Martini we have a brand that shares a passion for motor racing and winning championships. This partnership is a milestone in our history and we look forward to working closely with Martini over the coming years."

Related: Rob Smedley joins Williams

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Jim McGill