Van der Garde for Williams in 2011?

It was announced that McGregor would be extending their partnership with the AT&T Williams team. McGregor and AT&T Williams first signed a partnership agreement back in early 2008. As part of that deal, McGregor designed a new team kit for AT&T Williams. Now McGregor and AT&T Williams have decided to extend their successful partnership for another three years at least. It was originally thought that McGregor would join a growing list of sponsors to leave Williams at the end of 2010.

This agreement will keep see the McGregor logo continue on the team's cars, helmets and kit, allowing the brand to maintain its high profile in the world of Formula 1. But with this announcement it has also put GP2 driver Giedo van der Garde in a good position to secure a full time drive with the Williams team in 2011. This is despite the reports that have Pastor Maldonado having taken the drive formerly held by Nico Hülkenberg.

In regard to McGregor's extension of their sponsorship of the Williams team Jan Paul ten Hoopen, Chief Executive Officer of McGregor, said: ‘’The extended partnership underlines our belief in the future of Formula 1, and AT&T Williams in particular, as an international marketing platform.’’

Adam Parr, Chairman of the AT&T Williams F1 Team, added: ‘’We're delighted to be extending the deal for at least another three years. Ever since the first contract was signed, McGregor has proved to be a reliable partner, producing superb collections of the highest quality.’’

Van der Garde is a another driver who can bring some very attractive sponsorship to the Williams team with Giedo also having McGregor as a long time sponsor. Also van der Garde’s manager Jan Paul ten Hoopen is also the commercial director of the Dutch fashion company, and the driver’s father-in-law is Marcel Boekhoorn, a major shareholder. This would raise the possibility of McGregor increasing its involvement with the Williams team to see Van der Garde get the 2011 drive.

Van der Garde started his involvement in Formula One back in 2007 when he took on the role of test driver for the then Spyker F1 Team. He has also been a runner in the GP2 championship achieving mixed results.