Leading European Online Sports Network signs Website Build and Global
Sports Sponsorship Agreement
(London, 9 March 1999). Sportal, (www.sportal.com ) the leading independent network of sports websites today announced a Sponsorship Agreement and a Website Agreement with Benetton Formula Ltd.
Sportal will create, host and maintain the official Benetton Formula 1 team website (www.benettonf1.com ). As part of a separate sponsorship deal, Sportal has become an Official Sponsor of the Benetton Formula 1 Team and the company’s logo will be featured on the team’s cars.
The website will be launched in time for the 2000 racing season, which commences on Sunday March 12 with the Australian Grand Prix. This race marks the start of Sportal’s sponsorship term and will be the first appearance of the Sportal logo on Mild Seven Benetton Playlife’s 200 challenger.
The deal is for two years. The Sportal logo will have prime placement near the cockpit of the Benetton F1 car, piloted by Giancarlo Fisichella and Alexander Wurz.
Sportal plan to partner Benetton Formula 1 online for a minimum of five years with the option to increase the arrangement for an additional two years. The official Benetton Formula 1 website will be the primary online source of information worldwide for information relating to the team and it’s progress. The site will be available initially in English and then Italian.
Alex Schrempp, Sportal Head of Motor Sport, said: ‘We are extremely excited about our sponsorship of the Benetton Formula
1 team. We are the first sports specialist Internet company to announce an F1 team sponsorship of this level. ‘We’re a very young firm so to come to a sponsor agreement with such a long established, highly respected brand is a unique and major achievement for us.
‘The Benetton Formula 1 team has a loyal and sizable following – the Internet is the means to connect this global fanbase, wherever they are, directly with their passion. For devotees of F1, we can offer news, results, exclusive interviews and race previews – all round coverage that’s faster than print and deeper than TV.
‘Our global know-how, professionalism and extensive local network have helped us earn the trust of partners like Benetton Formula 1 and we want to make sure Sportal stays in pole position when it comes to offering F1 content online.’
Kate Linnell, Marketing Services Director for Benetton Formula Ltd, added: ‘Formula One has long been the most global of sports but the Internet allows us to be far more interactive with our audience. It is therefore important for us to work with an online partner that understands the full potential of this relationship. Sportal, through their experience in other sports and clubs are able to bring a breadth of experience along with fresh and inventive ideas. Our long term relationship with them will enable us to achieve an innovative web site in keeping with the colourful image of Benetton Formula1’.
For more information, visit www.sportal.com or www.benettonF1.com
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For more press information, please contact
Pete Goold/Christian May, Gnash Communications, 0171 243 4443
Mario Tilney-Bassett, Sportal, 0171 350 4808
Benetton Formula One Press Office 01608 678000