The congressman Carlos Ramos is now focusing his attention on the F1 team of Frank Williams. PDVSA, the Venezuelan state oil conglomerate, sponsors the Williams F1 team. Nobody in Venezuela – aside from a few Chavistas – knows how many millions PDVSA has promised and paid to the Williams F1 team. In any case, according to Venezuelan legislation, public funds cannot be committed to such projects without the approval of the Venezuelan Congress. Neither Hugo Chávez nor PDVSA can spend public money unilaterally without oversight or approval. Therefore, the contract between PDVSA and the Frank Williams F1 team could very well be illegal, as there is no record that the contract has been discussed or approved by the representatives of the people in the Venezuelan Congress. We will see if the Williams F1 team now responds to an official request for a copy of the contract for an ongoing investigation in the Venezuelan Congress.
According to earlier local reports in Venezuela, starting in 2010, the Frank Williams F1 team may have received £110.5 million, £138.14 million, or £154.7 million from PDVSA, depending on the exposure of PDVSA/Venezuela logos on the Williams F1 cars and the drivers’ livery.
Tomorrow, I will send a certified copy of this letter to Claire Williams.
UPDATE: A copy of Congressman Carlos Ramos’ letter was received at the Williams F1 office in Grove on November 18 at 08:47, according to Royal Mail.
UPDATE II: Claire Williams has responded to Congressman Ramos’ communication, November 18, 2011, 16:15:24 GMT. We are preparing a response, which will be posted here soon.