Vodafone and Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Extend Title Partnership

Vodafone and Vodafone McLaren Mercedes are pleased to announce the extension of their title partnership. The Vodafone McLaren Mercedes title partnership has been hugely successful, in both sporting and marketing terms, and the extension is testimony to Formula 1’s enduring global marketing appeal.

Building on major successes already achieved, the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes partnership will continue to focus on developing exciting new technologies as well as engaging Vodafone’s customers in a series of innovative new marketing initiatives.

Under the new agreement, which runs until the end of the 2013 season, Vodafone will remain title partner and becomes official total communications partner of Vodafone McLaren Mercedes. Covering fixed, mobile and broadband networks, content and communication services and associated devices, the partnership will continue to drive forward the relationship with a particular focus on empowerment and technical innovation by:

bringing Vodafone customers closer to the passion of Formula 1 through its services, events and experiences

helping support the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team’s on-track success through greater technical integration of Vodafone’s total communications services.

Morten Lundal, Group Chief Commercial Officer, Vodafone, said, “Vodafone is an international brand with strong local roots. As such, Formula 1 is a strong platform from which we can engage our customers with unique experiences and events. We’ve had great success in using the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes partnership to engage our customers in our key markets, and we’re committed to new and exciting platforms which will allow customers to get even closer to the action.”

Ron Dennis, Executive Chairman, McLaren Group and McLaren Automotive, said, “The success that Vodafone McLaren Mercedes has enjoyed since our two companies’ partnership began in 2007 has been prodigious. Of the 68 Grands Prix that have been staged during our partnership, our drivers have scored 21 wins and 55 podium finishes.

“Going forward, I’m confident that Vodafone McLaren Mercedes will build on and improve on our already impressive track record, delivering an ever more powerful return on investment for Vodafone, and proving once again what a formidable global marketing tool the sport of Formula 1 remains.”

For further information

Vodafone Group Media Relations
Tel: +44 (0) 1635 664444

Vodafone McLaren Mercedes
Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Communications Department
+44 1483 261900

About Vodafone
Vodafone is one of the world's largest mobile communications companies by revenue with approximately 347 million proportionate customers as at 30 June 2010. Vodafone currently has equity interests in over 30 countries across five continents and over 40 partner networks worldwide. For more information, please visit www.vodafone.com

About Vodafone McLaren Mercedes
New Zealand racing driver Bruce McLaren founded the McLaren team in 1963. It entered its first grand prix in 1966 and won its first Formula 1 race in 1968. More than 40 years and 169 grand prix victories later, the team is still renowned as one of the sport’s most successful competitors and as one of the world’s most illustrious high-technology brands.

The McLaren Group has grown to encompass much more than just racing. Housing a cutting-edge electronics division that not only services the entire Formula 1 grid but also many racing series across the globe. McLaren Applied Technologies creates cutting-edge solutions for modern industry while McLaren Automotive not only produced the 1990s’ original supercar, the F1, and the unique Mercedes-Benz SLR but has recently unveiled the prototype of its newest vehicle – the MP4-12C. www.mclaren.com