The perfect present

12/05/2012

Frank Williams gets to hear of Pastor Maldonado's promotion to pole position during a party to celebrate his seventieth birthday.

Although the legendary team founder was actually born on 17 April (1942) - one day before the esteemed Dr Mike Lawrence - the party was held over to this weekend so that all his F1 buddies, past and present, could be present.

Although a problem with the microphone meant that Bernie Ecclestone's tribute could barely be heard - nor Frank's response - as Williams surveyed the (F1) star studded audience, thanking all for their good wishes, news began to filter through of Lewis Hamilton's omission from the qualifying results and Pastor Maldonado's promotion to pole.

Following the worst season in his team's history, 2012 has been altogether better, both on and off track, the Grove outfit enjoying a resurgence in terms of results as well as an altogether better atmosphere behind the scenes.

"Pastor, congratulations from the team for a wonderful performance of which we are very proud," said Williams, unaware that his driver was about to inherit pole position.

Whatever one might think of Hamilton's punishment, it seems only fitting that Frank Williams and his team should benefit.