OCTOBER 21, 2010

McLaren: Hangin' on the telephone

McLaren Mercedes has extended its title sponsorship partnership with Vodafone until the end of 2013.

McLaren Mercedes has extended its title sponsorship partnership with Vodafone until the end of 2013.

Vodafone's chief commercial officer Morten Lundal said: "Formula 1 is a strong platform from which we can engage our customers with unique experiences and events. We've had great success in using the partnership to engage our customers in our key markets and are committed to new and exciting platforms which will allow customers to get even closer to the action."

Since the VMM partnership began in 2007, the team has taken 21 wins and 55 podium finishes from 68 starts.

Team principal Martin Whitmarsh stated: "Vodafone is without doubt the best title partner that McLaren has ever had.

"Why do I say that? Well, the word 'partner' says it all. Vodafone is our partner in a very genuine sense of that word - a very real contributor to an ever-evolving series of high-tech innovations on our cars and within our operating systems.

"That's why I know I speak on behalf of all when I say how delighted I am that our two companies have agreed not only to renew our partnership but also to relaunch it.

"I like to think that Vodafone McLaren Mercedes is the most inclusive team in the world's most exclusive sport - and, with that ethos in mind, we'll be unveiling some very exciting marketing initiatives in the near future."

Reigning world champion Jenson Button added: ""This year is my first with Vodafone McLaren Mercedes, and it's been a revelation. The role of an F1 driver is a much envied one, often considered very glamorous, and I can't deny that that aspect exists. But driving for Vodafone McLaren Mercedes adds an extra dimension to the mix: this year, for the first time in my life, I've felt I'm doing a proper job.

"That proper job is all about teamwork, all about pulling together, all about communication. The work I've done with Vodafone has been particularly interesting and pleasurable. Moreover, the time that Lewis and I have spent together working for our title partner has enabled us to develop a very warm friendship, and some of the initiatives we've collaborated on have been both enjoyable and ground-breaking."