Martini to partner Ferrari

Martini Racing, one of the most famous names in world motorsport sponsorship, today announced that it is returning to Formula One in 2006 as an official partner of Scuderia Ferrari, the most prestigious and successful team in the history of the FIA Formula One World Championship.

Martini Racing, which will use the distinctive Martini ‘Ball and Bar’ brand icon on the car, has been associated with some of the most celebrated teams and vehicles in world motorsport for more than 35 years. Today’s announcement, confirming a multi year sponsorship deal between the global drinks brand and Scuderia Ferrari, further endorses that association, and links Martini with both a team and sport that reflect its dynamic, cosmopolitan, and sophisticated nature.

Robert Furniss-Roe, Director of Martini Racing, said, “We are extremely excited about our new partnership with the Scuderia Ferrari F1 team. We have a long and proud heritage in motorsports and this latest chapter promises to be rewarding and exciting for us and our consumers."

"Ferrari has produced some of the most evocative and famous racing cars ever built, and there is no other team in Formula One that better reflects the personality and character of Martini. The global appeal of Formula One also provides us with a highly visible platform to engage and communicate with consumers around the world.”

Martini is exceptionally proud of its heritage in motorsport through Martini Racing, and sees its partnership with Ferrari as far more than just a logo on a car. Furniss-Roe explained, “Martini’s pride goes hand in hand with a deep sense of social responsibility and respect for the communities it serves."

"Martini Racing has more than 35 years experience at the highest levels of motorsport, and this has provided us with a comprehensive understanding of the sensitivities surrounding the drinks industry and motor racing."

“Our position in Formula One with Ferrari will enable us to communicate a strong message of responsible drinking, which will form the basis of a pan-European anti-drink and drive campaign that we will be implementing during this year’s F1 season.”

In addition to its sponsorship of Ferrari, and an anti-drink and drive campaign, Martini will also be sponsoring a new lifestyle TV programme in 2006, featuring all the glamour and action from the world’s top motorsport series. Thirty three episodes of Martini World Circuit will be broadcast worldwide, in six different languages, from the beginning of March 2006.

Martini Racing’s amazing legacy in motorsport stretches as far back as 1968. Since that time Martini has been associated with an illustrious list of teams, including Brabham, Alfa Romeo and Lotus in Formula One, Porsche in the World Champion Series, Le Mans, World Rallying and the German Touring Car Championship and Lancia and Ford in both the World Rally Championship and the World Championship of Endurance Racing.

Martini Racing has also been closely involved with a number of motorsport legends through their sponsorship of various teams, including one of the greatest F1 drivers of all time, Mario Andretti; the inspirational F1 drivers Carlos Reutemann and Michele Alboreto; six times Le Mans winner Jacky Ickx; World Rally Championship driver Markku Alen; and 1981 winner of the World Championship of Endurance Racing, Ricardo Patrese.

In addition other famous drivers have all been associated with Martini Racing including Carlos Sainz, Colin McRae, Miki Biasion, Didier Auriol, Juha Kankkunen, François Delecour and Derek Bell. Furniss-Roe concluded, “We share a common Italian heritage and passion with Scuderia Ferrari and look forward to an exciting and glamourous 2006 season with a winning Italian team.”

Be responsible – please don’t drink and drive!

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