BAR Honda is delighted to announce a long-term partnership agreement with Chinese internet portal SOHU.com Inc. (NASDAQ: SOHU), one of the leading online media information service providers for China. The partnership commences with effect from this weekend at the inaugural Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai.
SOHU will host www.BARf1.com.cn, a bespoke Chinese version of the team’s increasingly popular website www.BARf1.com. The language and content will be adapted specifically to cater for Chinese culture.
SOHU.com (which translates in English to mean ‘search fox’) operates one of China’s leading Web portal networks offering its users 20 content channels covering news, sports, business, and other topics, search, e-mail, wireless messaging, instant messaging, browsing, games and shopping. The company, founded by Dr. Charles Zhang, is in its eighth year of operation.
Commenting on the new partnership, BAR F1 Sales & Marketing Director Hugh Chambers said, ‘As the newest race in the championship, China is starting to have a major impact on Formula One. There are already millions of F1 fans in China and this race is sure to accelerate its popularity. With over a billion consumers in China, its significance to the world of F1 cannot be under estimated. SOHU’s partnership with BAR will capitalise on the exciting commercial opportunities that are emerging in this new Formula One market.’
Charles Zhang, Chairman and CEO of SOHU added: ‘We are pleased to have BAR as our new online and wireless content partner and the timing for this partnership couldn’t be better. The interest in automobile related entertainment and sports is increasing hand in hand with the rapid growth in car ownership. We bring Chinese consumers closer to the world of car racing by building the interactive gateway for BAR, as well as introducing their exclusive wireless offerings to this market.’
For further information:
Caroline Straathof
SOHU Investor Relations and Communications
Tel: +86 10 6510 1379
E-mail: ir@sohu-inc.com
Web: http://www.sohu.com/about/English/