MAY 6, 2002

Castrol tries new sporting route...

CASTROL, a major sponsor of BMW Williams and a backer of Jaguar Racing is to expand its sporting sponsorships with a two-year deal which will feature English soccer player David Beckham. The advertising campaign is aimed at the Middle East where Beckham is a big name.

"Football is by far the most popular sport in the Arab world," said BP's Jeremy Bowen. "And David Beckham is one of its most recognized and admired stars. The combination of Beckham's visibility and leadership in the sporting arena makes a natural fit for Castrol."

Beckham plays for Manchester United and is also the captain of the England national squad. The 26-year-old is married to Victoria, who made her name as one of the Spice Girls pop group in the late 1990s.

The news has been timed to coincide with the start of the build-up for the World Cup soccer competition.