McLaren to unveil major sponsor deal

UPDATE This rumor is now 'fact' with today's announcement – see Hot News page.

03/07/06 (GMMf1NET) McLaren is expected to announce a new major sponsorship with Dubai's 'Emirates' airline for the 2006 season.

To plug the gap left by departed tobacco sponsor 'West', but before new title sponsor Vodafone joins next year, a 2006-only arrangement will probably be outlined at a press conference on Wednesday.

According to media sources, Emirates' deal – to be unveiled at the Hotel Schweizerhof in Berlin – is worth an estimated $20-25m to the Ron Dennis-led F1 squad.

The sponsorship might explain the prominent bright red on the wings of McLaren's new chrome livery, with the color being a feature of Emirates' corporate logo.