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Williams has denied that Briton Oliver Rowland is a contender for a 2018 racing seat with the Grove-based squad. Rowland is currently a development driver for Renault and had not been considered for a place at Williams up to this point.
Williams is searching for a driver to replace Felipe Massa, who retired from the sport at the end of the 2017 season. On Friday, Rowland's team released a statement which claimed he was in the running for a 2018 seat.
"F1 Renault development driver Oliver Rowland is in talks with Williams about securing a seat for Formula 1 in 2018," it read. "The 25-year-old hasn't been considered an option until now, with Williams still undecided of who to put in the car next year."
Rowland added: "My team is in talks with Williams, as they are with other teams. British car, British driver it fits well. Lots of drivers seem to be in the frame for 2018, so we will just have to see what happens."
Williams has since denied that Rowland is a candidate to replace Massa, reported by Autosport. No negotiations have taken place around that particular matter, but it is believed talks have been held regarding a third driver role.
Fergal Walsh
Grand Prix of Belgium
G. Zhou
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calle.itw
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Yup, this is pretty much my take on it aswell. Time will tell. But Williams really need the money from Martini, so it wouldnt surprise me if that might be the deciding factor, along with the huge fanbacking they'd get for hiring Kubica.