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ING pleased with Formula One sponsorship

Financial service group ING says its first year as the main sponsor of the Renault Formula One motor racing team, has exceeded all expectations.

ING said its Renault title sponsorship and trackside advertising - including naming rights in Australia and Belgium - "increased ING's global brand awareness and created a clear and positive perception of the firm".

'The affiliation between ING and Formula One has already proven its worth. Our research shows that the programme has improved ING's global brand awareness and image,' ING said in a statement.

"Heading into 2008, the ING F1 strategy will build upon the increase in awareness of ING to drive revenue returns," executive board chairman Michel Tilmant said.

The Amsterdam based company said it had commissioned independent research company Research International to determine the value of its F1 involvement this year, with positive results.

The international sports research agency IFM also showed that ING was the second most visible F1 sponsor in 2007.
"In 2008 our goal is to fully activate the F1 sponsorship in all ING markets, in order to make use best use of our increased awareness," director of sponsorship Isabelle Conner revealed.