Tata Motors to Sponsor Ferrari F1 in 2009

In a time when most Formula 1 teams are desperately looking for partners and/or sponsors to sustain their efforts in the series, some are lucky enough to attract a lucrative sponsorship thanks to their impressive F1 background. And of course we're talking about the Scuderia Ferrari.

As several Indian media reports have shown recently, Tata Consultancy Services have secured a sponsorship deal with Luca di Montezemolo's team for the 2009 season. The deal between the two companies came as a natural progression of their 3-year partnership inside the F1 championship. Tata entered the series in 2005, as technological partner of the Maranello-based team.

“Building on our existing long-term relationship of over three years, Tata Consultancy Services has entered into a historic agreement with Ferrari for an enhanced technology and marketing partnership. As part of the deal, the Tata logo will be displayed on Ferrari F1 car for the 2009 Formula One season,” read a statement from the Indian company released yesterday.

Luca di Montezemolo himself admitted the two companies have shook hands for a 2009 sponsorship and seemed delighted with the news.

“For the first time an Indian brand will appear on the Ferrari cars. It's historic,” said Di Montezemolo.

Rivals McLaren have also announced a new partnership with Chinese PC company Lenovo for the upcoming season, as the new company will provide the Woking-based team with an updated wireless system and desktop computing services for 2009.