Photo: grandprix247.com
Martini, one of the most iconic name in racing, is returning to Formula One this year. According to Autosport, quoting sources familiar with the matter, the Italian brand will become the title sponsor of the Williams F1 team.
The report also notes that Martini was in talks with teams such as McLaren and Ferrari, but decided to go with Williams as the prospect of a title sponsoring deal and "the prospect of a full-branding opportunity were too good to resist."
While Williams F1 has yet to confirm the deal, an image of an official Martini-branded Williams shirt that appeared on grandprix247.com last week suggests that the Italian brand will indeed return to Formula One after eight years.
In 2006, Martini became a minor sponsor of Ferrari F1, but their history with the sport goes way back to the 1970s. The drinks company debuted with the Tecno team in 1972, only to become famous by the end of the decade with Brabham and Lotus.
Martini is also known for sponsoring Porsche in the same era, with its logo and colors being placed on famous race cars such as the 917, the 935 and the 936. In the 1980s and 1990s, Martini colors were seen on Lancia's iconic 037, Delta S4 and Delta rally cars.
Story via Autosport
While Williams F1 has yet to confirm the deal, an image of an official Martini-branded Williams shirt that appeared on grandprix247.com last week suggests that the Italian brand will indeed return to Formula One after eight years.
In 2006, Martini became a minor sponsor of Ferrari F1, but their history with the sport goes way back to the 1970s. The drinks company debuted with the Tecno team in 1972, only to become famous by the end of the decade with Brabham and Lotus.
Martini is also known for sponsoring Porsche in the same era, with its logo and colors being placed on famous race cars such as the 917, the 935 and the 936. In the 1980s and 1990s, Martini colors were seen on Lancia's iconic 037, Delta S4 and Delta rally cars.
Story via Autosport
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