DECEMBER 14, 2005

Vodafone announce McLaren title sponsorship in 2007

Mobile phone company Vodefone has announced today a long-term deal to be the title sponsor of the McLaren-Mercedes team beginning in 2007. Vodafone has been a sponsor in F1 since 2002 with Ferrari.

Vodafone Chief Marketing Officer, Peter Bamford said, "We are excited about this new phase of involvement in motor racing. As Title Sponsor of the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team it raises our association with Formula One to the ultimate level. The new agreement delivers a fantastic marketing platform; the associative rights we acquire as a result of this new sponsorship provide us with additional opportunities to continue to raise brand awareness, build brand preference and drive revenue. It will also provide our customers with unique and exciting content through Vodafone live! with 3G."

McLaren's Ron Dennis said, "This is only the third time for more than 30 years that the opportunity to become the team's Title Sponsor has existed. The status of the brand and the level of activation in support of the sponsorship were key criteria for our choice of Title Sponsor and Vodafone over-delivers in all respects. In addition, as our agreement is long-term, this provides important stability within the Team, allowing us to focus fully on our objective of winning races and Championships together. We are delighted to welcome Vodafone to the team and look forward to many future successes."