Another airline sponsor lands in F1
24 February, 2010
Feb.24 (GMM) Qantas has been named as the new title sponsor for the Australian grand prix. They will join a number of airlines already involved or related to Formula 1, such as Etihad (Ferrari and Abu Dhabi GP), Kingfisher (Force India), Air Asia (Lotus and formerly Williams), Gulf Air (Bahrain GP) and of course Virgin Racing, part of Richard Branson’s group.
In the wake of ING’s departure from the sport, it was feared that the Melbourne race would not locate a funding replacement for the Dutch bank. The 2009 race at Albert Park recorded a controversial $40m loss.
“We greatly value the involvement of all our commercial sponsors — their support reduces the cost of this event to the Victorian government,” said major events minister Tim Holding.
The Australian Grand Prix Corporation on Wednesday said Qantas, whose association with F1 in the country dates back to the 80s, will be the naming sponsor in 2010.
“We are pleased to reaffirm our support for this global sporting event, reaching formula one fans worldwide,” said Alan Joyce, chief executive of Australia’s national airline.
Qantas was also the Australian GP title sponsor between 1997 and 2001.
Related posts:
- Sauber hopes for major sponsor before Bahrain
- More sponsor branding expected on Sauber
- No title sponsor yet for 2010 Australian GP
- 2009 F1 Review: Top 5 drives of the season
- Sauber loses sponsor to Virgin Racing
It’s AUS$40m loss on ticket sales, but AUS$100m profit made for the city and region. One of the main reasons cities want F1 races, and the prime reason Montreal was so keen to get a race back.