Williams to show Martini livery on March 6

Feb.21 (GMM) Williams' new Martini-themed 2014 livery will be unveiled on 6 March, a week before the F1 circus gathers in Melbourne for the season opener.

Initially, it was believed the Grove team would pull the official wraps off its highly-anticipated new title sponsorship deal during Bahrain testing.

But that theory was dismissed on the basis that alcohol advertising is not allowed in Arab countries.

So Speed Week reported that Williams' deal with the iconic Italian vermouth label would be announced on the Wednesday or Thursday of Australian grand prix week.

But according to France's Auto Hebdo, the British team has finally confirmed the real launch date -- March 6, exactly a week before the paddock bursts to life in Melbourne.