Williams boosted by new F1 commercial deal

A new Formula One commercial agreement helped to boost first half profit and turnover for Williams Grand Prix Holdings, the former champion motor racing team.

Net profit for the British-based team rose to 6.6 million pounds from 1.9 million pounds in the first six months of the year, while turnover increased to 74.3 million pounds from 47.3 million a year earlier.

Williams, one of the 12 teams on the Formula One grid, listed on the stock market in Germany last year.

All of the leading teams except for Mercedes have signed a new deal to remain in the sport until 2020 in return for a greater share of revenues.

Financial details of the agreement are not disclosed but Williams said a one-off payment had helped to boost its results.

Williams was once a dominant force in Formula One but has struggled in recent years and is only 8th in the constructors' championship -- the team rankings -- this season.

However, founder and team principal Frank Williams struck a positive tone.

"We have made good progress on track this year, thanks in part to a new technical team, which has seen us pick up our first win in eight years," he said.

"Our diversification strategy is also gaining momentum, positioning us as a leader in the development of cutting edge technology in areas such as sustainability and safety."

Williams driver Pastor Maldonado of Venezuela won the Spanish Grand Prix in May but has struggled since then, picking up a series of penalties for race incidents. Maldonado brings the team their biggest-paying sponsor in the form of Venezuelan state oil company PDVSA.

Brazilian Bruno Senna, the other Williams driver, is just below Maldonado in 16th place in the drivers' standings.