Abu Dhabi: Etihad Airways has extended its title sponsorship of the Formula One Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which has been hailed as ‘fantastic news’ by F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone.
The partnership extension was finalised between James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ President and Chief Executive Officer, and Ecclestone, Chief Executive Officer of the Formula One group of companies, at the airline’s Innovation Centre in Abu Dhabi on Saturday.
Etihad Airways has been the title sponsor of the Grand Prix since the inaugural race in 2009.
Ecclestone said: “We are happy to extend our relationship with Etihad Airways, one of the world’s most innovative airlines, and an organisation which shares the same passion and commitment to cutting edge technology, teamwork and precision engineering as we do in Formula 1.
“Etihad Airways has been one of the most forward-thinking title sponsors in Formula 1 history and to secure the airline’s extension of its title sponsorship is fantastic news for the sport and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix which has made such a huge impact on the F1 season.”
Mr Hogan added: “We are delighted to extend our title sponsorship of the Formula One Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and to continue our association with an event which showcases the airline and our home of Abu Dhabi to a global audience of more than 500 million people.
“The F1 event is now firmly established as one of the major highlights of the Formula 1 calendar, with Yas Marina Circuit as one of the world’s most advanced sporting venues. We look forward to bringing hundreds of thousands of motorsport fans to the UAE’s capital over the next seven years and beyond.”
The Etihad Airways Innovation Centre was chosen as the venue for the finalisation of the agreement as it is where the airline’s latest in-flight cabins and products are researched and tested.
Guests travelling on Etihad Airways flights can watch tomorrow’s Formula One Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand prix live inflight on the Sport 24 channel of the Live TV section.
The race starts at 5pm UAE time.
