F1: Shell to become title sponsor for the Belgian Grand Prix

The Belgian Grand Prix will now be the Shell Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix from 2011

Automotive lubricant and fuel giant Shell has taken up the title sponsorship for the Belgian Grand Prix. Shell has been one of the first major sponsors to be seen in Formula 1 with a sponsorship relationship that dates back 60 years and with teams like McLaren back in the 80s when Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna were battling it out for top honours. More importantly though, Shell has become synonymous with another big name in F1 – Ferrari. Their tryst with success at Ferrari started as early as 1952 when Alberto Ascari drove his scarlet car to victory at the very track that they will sponsor 2011 onwards – Spa Francorchamps in Belgium. Since then, Shell has won at Spa 17 times – most recently being with Ferrari at the hands of Kimi Raikkonen in 2009 who also holds the lap record there (though it was when he was driving for McLaren in 2004).

Spa Francorchamps has widely become one of the most liked circuits on the F1 calendar with some of the best corners on its layout – the fast uphill left hander followed by a right hander, Eau Rouge and the tight La Source hairpin being two of them. Both Spa and Shell have been an integral part of the Formula 1 scene ever since the first Grand Prix in 1950 and one cannot imagine F1 without either. Spa will have its 56th appearance on the F1 calendar when it kicks off its partnership with Shell on 28 August 2011 for the Shell Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix.

“The Formula 1 Shell Belgian Grand Prix is a cornerstone of the Formula One World Championship calendar. Similarly, Shell has been a leading innovator throughout the history of the sport.” comments John Bullock, Executive Vice President, Shell Retail, “The title sponsorship will align our values in a sport recognised as the pinnacle of motor racing and demonstrate Shell’s innovation to a growing global following of motorists.”

The title sponsorship of the 2011 Formula 1 Shell Belgian Grand Prix forms part of an extended partnership between Shell and the Formula One Group, including the continuation of Shell’s circuit advertising and branding at a number of races throughout the season.

Bernie Ecclestone, Formula One Group CEO, said “Shell was amongst the first to recognise Formula 1 as a powerful platform which has been successful for Shell for 60 years.  By becoming the title sponsor of the 2011 Formula 1 Shell Belgian Grand Prix, Shell continues to prove its commitment to the sport and play a key role in its enduring success.”  Mr Ecclestone continued, “We recognise the valuable contribution made by Shell over many years and are delighted to provide an environment for this global brand to develop its commercial products.”

Richard Bracewell, Shell Global Sponsorships Manager, said: “The 2011 Formula 1 Shell Belgian Grand Prix is a great way to augment our technical partnership with Scuderia Ferrari.  The extreme and controlled testing ground provided by Scuderia Ferrari allows us to constantly develop our fuels and lubricants. Spa is one of the most demanding races on the calendar for teams and drivers alike, making it the perfect place to demonstrate Shell’s premium products.”