The Malaysian low-cost airline company is allegedly in pole position to purchasing BMW's share of the Hinwil based team, although no official confirmation of this report has been issued. As far as the Kuala Lumpur-based company goes, their sole statement so far reiterated their commitment to Williams.
“Our interest in F1 is still Williams. We will continue to sponsor them,” AirAsia Chief executive Tony Fernandes was quoted as saying to the Malay Mail.
AirAsia's current deal with Williams F1 Team is to run out at the end of next season, which technically means they would be bound to that contract even after they'd purchase BMW Sauber. However, as mentioned before, this is all speculation.
In the meantime, the Swiss outfit has already lodged an application to the 2010 Formula One Championship entry list in an effort to attract an investor to take over the team. On the condition they will be granted an F1 entry, that would make the Hinwil based operations more attractive for the potential buyers, as the team would already be confirmed for the 2010 season and benefit the commercial rights for the 2009 campaign.
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