Rothmans International announced today that they will not continue their sponsorship of the Winfield Williams F1 team after the end of the 1999 race season.

‘In partnership with Williams F1, we have enjoyed many successes since 1994, during which time the team has won three Constructors’ Championships and two Drivers’ Championships with Damon Hill and Jaques Villeneuve at the wheel,’ said Mark Hulit, Marketing Director for Rothmans International.

‘We know that from next year, Williams F1 will be teaming up with BMW and believe this is a very exciting development for everyone involved.

Under Frank Williams’ leadership, our partnership has been very special and we regret that Winfield will not continue as title sponsor in 2000. However, we wish both BMW and Williams F1 every success as they make what pronises to be an exciting and significant step, both for the team and the sport of Formula One,’ said Hulit.

Winfield will continue as title sponsor for the rest of the 1999 season and Williams F1 are committed to providing full support to the Winfield Programme.

‘We look forward to a challenging 1999 Formula One race season with the Winfield Williams F1 team and drivers Ralf Schumacher and Alex Zanardi, and want to thank Frank and all the Williams F1 team for their years of dedication and outstanding professionalism during our association with Formula One motor racing.’