Renault set for Lada sponsorship deal
Date published : 03 Mar 2010 - 11:48:00
Renault is set to further its Russian connections with car manufacturer Lada set to take on a sponsorship role with the Formula One team this season.
While Lada's history has had little in the way of a sporting reputation, in recent years it has made moves to change that by competing in the World Touring Car Championship.
The marque is part-owned by Renault, while Russia's Vitaly Petrov is set to make his F1 debut for the team this season alongside Poland's Robert Kubica.
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has revealed Lada branding will feature on the Renault cars this season with the possibility that the sponsorship role could be increased in the future.
In a meeting with Renault president Carlos Ghosn this week, Putin said: "Mr Petrov is here, and I wish him success. I am sure he will set a fine example of what cooperation between Renault and Russian car manufacturers can achieve.
"As far as I know, the Lada logo will be on the race car and the uniforms of the driver and pit crew. This is appropriate, seeing as we intend to launch a new series of cars together with Renault's direct participation under the traditional Lada brand."
Putin added: "We will take the first steps in sponsoring the project, and it's possible that we will increase our sponsorship role in the future."
Ghosn stated: "Lada, together with Renault and Nissan, has wonderful prospects. Lada is our main brand in Russia. It is the most popular brand and we will continue to improve it with the support of Nissan and Renault.
"These three brands account for 35% of the global auto market. In Russia, Lada accounts for one-third of the market.
"We hope that by promoting Lada with the support of Nissan and Renault, we will be able to increase this share."
