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McLaren announced on Monday an extension to the team’s corporate partnership with Santander, just days after the Spanish banking giant confirmed it will also be sponsoring Ferrari from 2010. The McLaren deal will see high-profile Santander branding present on the overalls of all four McLaren drivers.

“We are extremely pleased to have extended our hugely successful global Partnership with Santander,” said Martin Whitmarsh, McLaren team principal. “As one of the world’s leading banks with a significant presence in Europe, Brazil, Mexico, Chile and the United States and other countries, Santander is a great ‘fit’ with Vodafone McLaren Mercedes and our triumphs on the global stage of Formula One. 

“The year 2009 marks Santander’s third season of association with our sport, and during this time they have successfully title-sponsored three of the most prestigious and historic races: the British, German and Italian Grands Prix. We are very proud of our relationship with Santander and to be part of their ever-expanding Formula One involvement. We welcome, and wish them well with, their other activities - including, but not limited to, the afore-mentioned race sponsorships.”

Antonio Horta-Osorio, Abbey’s Chief Executive, commented: "Since its inauguration in 2007, our corporate partnership with Vodafone McLaren Mercedes has been extremely successful, especially in the UK, which is why we are delighted that we will continue to develop our alliance with the UK's number-one Formula One team for the benefit of our 20 million UK clients."

Hamilton added: “Some of the most enjoyable activities I have ever done off track during my Formula One career have been with Santander. Everything we do together is always thinking outside of the box, and I am looking forward to continuing that work together with them and the team. Over the past couple of years we have filmed some great TV ads - one of them turned me into an Airfix kit and then in the other I got to play on a life-sized Scalextric set! The Santander people are very cool and push home the value and strength of teamwork. With Santander I have also had the opportunity to attend some events in Spain. I love racing in Spain, too - Spanish motorsport fans are always so enthusiastic.”

Since the start of its relationship with McLaren in 2007, Santander has seen its brand awareness rise in the UK from 20 to 82 percent.

Source: http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2009/9/9931.html