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April 19, 2011
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In an unanticipated press conference held at the Williamson Dynamics Technical Centre in Lancaster, Lancashire, the impressive former HQ of the team prior to the operation relocating the management of the team to Berlin at the start of the pre-season, team principal Ben Williamson delivered a shock statement which has sent waves of unrest through the team and his company as a whole.
While failing to commit to either direction, the team founder has hinted at the possibility of a change of ownership at the team before the start of the 2012 season. In the event this were to be the case, sources are unable to confirm if the team would undergo a name change or rebranding.
"This morning's board meeting here in Lancaster has been awash with good news. We're very pleased with the technical department here, who have done a sterling job on this season's car in collaboration with our long term partners at VDB Design in Belgium, and our early season form has given us cause for strong optimism and our drivers are performing strongly and show commitment when asked. However, we still feel strongly that the team is not performing to the full extent of it's capabilities. My continuing, and numerous, heavy committments in other areas of Williamson Dynamics, coupled with the result that I have only infrequent, intermittent contact with the team has resulted in a strong element of disorganisation and inefficency for which I assume full responsibility." stated Williamson.
"It is with a heavy heart, but also in the hope of a brighter future for the team, that I have to announce we are currently reviewing a potential change of management at WDGP, which may also result in a change of ownership of our F1 teams. While nothing is decided at this point, it has become apparant that while I am unable to work as closely as desired with the team on a daily basis due to a number of commitments, our internal organisation has left too much burden on other members of the team. With no clear guidelines we have struggled to make it to the grid, and seen massive delays and mis-communications in our other campaigns elsewhere in sim racing. Funds have been held within the team, but not transferred at appropriate times to fund our efforts and our design team is diffuse and overworked, resulting in misse deadlines and delays at the factory level resulting from that."
"This is a resilient team, and one which has proved time and again we can bloody the noses of some of the sports bigger names. we have won races, and in order to do so again and build on that it may be nessacery for Williamson Dynamics Race Engineering to step back from owning a running works F1 teams in favour of returning to engine supply. The Lancaster Technical Centre and Berlin and Stockholm operations will remain open and there will be no job losses should the possible become a reality, with these facilities being used to provide the running gear and equipment required by the team in the future, whoever may or may not take over - whether that be myself or somebody new."
Many in the media and in the paddock will be certain to follow the situation closely. The team are rumoured to be continually progressing in research and development terms and any potential buyer would inherit a strong driver pairing and an impressive car design which has shown itself to be capable of potential podiums and more in the right hands.
Nevertheless, this announcement is sure to shake the team shareholders and fans alike as WDGP has enjoyed a strong reputation and fan following since it's foundation in 2008 and debut in FSR in 2009.
While failing to commit to either direction, the team founder has hinted at the possibility of a change of ownership at the team before the start of the 2012 season. In the event this were to be the case, sources are unable to confirm if the team would undergo a name change or rebranding.
"This morning's board meeting here in Lancaster has been awash with good news. We're very pleased with the technical department here, who have done a sterling job on this season's car in collaboration with our long term partners at VDB Design in Belgium, and our early season form has given us cause for strong optimism and our drivers are performing strongly and show commitment when asked. However, we still feel strongly that the team is not performing to the full extent of it's capabilities. My continuing, and numerous, heavy committments in other areas of Williamson Dynamics, coupled with the result that I have only infrequent, intermittent contact with the team has resulted in a strong element of disorganisation and inefficency for which I assume full responsibility." stated Williamson.
"It is with a heavy heart, but also in the hope of a brighter future for the team, that I have to announce we are currently reviewing a potential change of management at WDGP, which may also result in a change of ownership of our F1 teams. While nothing is decided at this point, it has become apparant that while I am unable to work as closely as desired with the team on a daily basis due to a number of commitments, our internal organisation has left too much burden on other members of the team. With no clear guidelines we have struggled to make it to the grid, and seen massive delays and mis-communications in our other campaigns elsewhere in sim racing. Funds have been held within the team, but not transferred at appropriate times to fund our efforts and our design team is diffuse and overworked, resulting in misse deadlines and delays at the factory level resulting from that."
"This is a resilient team, and one which has proved time and again we can bloody the noses of some of the sports bigger names. we have won races, and in order to do so again and build on that it may be nessacery for Williamson Dynamics Race Engineering to step back from owning a running works F1 teams in favour of returning to engine supply. The Lancaster Technical Centre and Berlin and Stockholm operations will remain open and there will be no job losses should the possible become a reality, with these facilities being used to provide the running gear and equipment required by the team in the future, whoever may or may not take over - whether that be myself or somebody new."
Many in the media and in the paddock will be certain to follow the situation closely. The team are rumoured to be continually progressing in research and development terms and any potential buyer would inherit a strong driver pairing and an impressive car design which has shown itself to be capable of potential podiums and more in the right hands.
Nevertheless, this announcement is sure to shake the team shareholders and fans alike as WDGP has enjoyed a strong reputation and fan following since it's foundation in 2008 and debut in FSR in 2009.
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