Three F1 Teams Agree New Partnerships

Three Formula One teams have announced new partnerships for the year, drugs ahead of the second race of the season in Malaysia.

Team Lotus has announced an upgraded deal with American computer systems company Dell, ailment who become the official technology supplier of the team.

Under the terms of the agreement Dell will provide Team Lotus with technological solutions for the 2011 season, and will feature on the T128 car at the Chinese Grand Prix – the third race of the season.

Team Lotus team principal Tony Fernandes said: “I am delighted that Dell has decided to deepen its relationship with the Team Lotus family and even more excited about the opportunities our unique collaboration will provide for everyone involved. We have already begun work on a number of exciting initiatives with Dell that will give them additional access to the incredibly exciting world we live and work in.”

Andy Lark, chief marketing officer, enterprise and public marketing, Dell Corporation, said: “We have been working with Team Lotus as an official supplier since day one of this amazing story. Formula One would not function without technology, it is simply right at the heart of everything that powers the sport on and off track, and we have been lucky enough to play an integral role in the establishment and development of the team since it first gained its entry in September 2009. I see this partnership continuing to grow.”

Fellow strugglers Marussia Virgin Racing have unveiled a partnership for the 2011 season with Diabloskinz, a supplier of personalisation equipment for portable communications devices.

Diabloskinz will produce a range of vinyl protective covers to fit electronic equipment including mobile phones, tablet computers, laptops and gaming consoles, featuring photo-quality images associated with the team.

The marketing director of Marussia Virgin Racing, Jim Wright stated: “We are proud to work with Diabloskinz for the 2011 Formula One season as they have delivered a unique service that is designed to support the growing Marussia Virgin Racing fan base, worldwide. The ability to deliver the latest Marussia Virgin Racing Formula One content that can be customised as an affordable skin for use on a wide range of devices offers an exciting proposition. We look forward to working with Diabloskinz.”

Scuderia Toro Rosso has secured an initial one-race deal with Malaysian hypermarket chain Giant.

The company’s logo will feature on the barge boards and nose of the team’s STR6 cars, as well as on race suits and shirts, and team principal Franz Tost’s shirt at the Malaysian Grand Prix.