Shell to support Belgian GP

Shell truck

Photo by: xpb.cc

Today Shell announced a multi-year agreement with the Formula One Group to become the Official Title Sponsor of the Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix at the Spa Francorchamps circuit and to continue its trackside advertising programme at selected Formula 1 races.

The 2011 Formula 1 Shell Belgian Grand Prix will be held on 28th August, 2011, the 56th running of the Event. Shell and the Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix have become integral features of the Formula One landscape, each being part of the inaugural Formula One World Championship season in 1950.

As technical partners with Scuderia Ferrari, Shell first tasted success at Spa in 1952, with victory for Alberto Ascari. To date, Shell has featured in 17 race wins at Spa, most recently in 2009 at the hands of Kimi Raikkonen, driving a Ferrari.

"The Formula 1 Shell Belgian Grand Prix is a cornerstone of the Formula One World Championship calendar. Similarly, Shell has been a leading innovator throughout the history of the sport." comments John Bullock, Executive Vice President, Shell Retail, "The title sponsorship will align our values in a sport recognised as the pinnacle of motor racing and demonstrate Shell's innovation to a growing global following of motorists."

The title sponsorship of the 2011 Formula 1 Shell Belgian Grand Prix forms part of an extended partnership between Shell and the Formula One Group, including the continuation of Shell's circuit advertising and branding at a number of races throughout the season.

Bernie Ecclestone, Formula One Group CEO, said "Shell was amongst the first to recognise Formula 1 as a powerful platform which has been successful for Shell for 60 years. By becoming the title sponsor of the 2011 Formula 1 Shell Belgian Grand Prix, Shell continues to prove its commitment to the sport and play a key role in its enduring success." Mr Ecclestone continued, "We recognise the valuable contribution made by Shell over many years and are delighted to provide an environment for this global brand to develop its commercial products."

Shell's long-standing technical partnership with Scuderia Ferrari was recently renewed until the 2015 season. The technical partnership provides a technology platform for Shell to develop products such as Shell V-Power fuel and Shell Helix lubricants for the benefit of road car users.

Richard Bracewell, Shell Global Sponsorships Manager, said: "The 2011 Formula 1 Shell Belgian Grand Prix is a great way to augment our technical partnership with Scuderia Ferrari. The extreme and controlled testing ground provided by Scuderia Ferrari allows us to constantly develop our fuels and lubricants. Spa is one of the most demanding races on the calendar for teams and drivers alike, making it the perfect place to demonstrate Shell's premium products.

-source: shell