The late Frank Williams was the first F1 team boss to seek financial support from the Middle East, and the logo of Saudi Arabian airlines (Fly Saudia) appeared on the back of the March driven by Patrick Neve in 1977. And Saudia has become a new sponsor of Aston Martin, the team for which Fernando Alonso drives. It is an iconic brand in the history of Formula 1 thanks to its close association with Williams during the time when the team became a world-class team.
The logo was most present on the team’s 1978 FW06. Williams subsequently won his first Saudi-backed Grand Prix at Silverstone with Swiss Clay Regazzoni (in 1979), and his first title with Australian Alan Jones that season.
Over the years, other car sponsors were identified, but Williams continued with Saudi support until 1984. His return to F1 with Aston Martin was logical, as the Silverstone team already had strong ties to Saudi Arabia. through a co-sponsorship agreement with Aramco.
“We are delighted to welcome Saudia,” said Jeff Slack, Aston Martin’s director of business and marketing. “And it is with great pleasure that we announce our new collaboration before the world championship round in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in Jeddah. It is clear that there is a strategic alliance between the world of air transport and F1, which we will Explore together -together, while we will also try to effectively manage our pollution footprint with so much travel,” he added.
“The Saudi arrival not only underlines the opportunities that F1 provides to companies on an unprecedented global scale, but also underlines the strength and appeal of the Aston Martin name to like-minded brands seeking unique and collaborative partnerships. We believe in the power of sports to unite people and create a world without borders,” said Saudia Group Marketing Director Khaled Tash.
Other Middle Eastern airlines have been involved with different teams for years: Emirates, Etihad and Gulf.
Source: La Verdad
I’m Rose Herman and I work as an author for Today Times Live. My expertise lies in writing about sports, a passion of mine that has been with me since childhood. As part of my job, I provide comprehensive coverage on everything from football to tennis to golf.
