Under the agreement, secured by Allsport Management, part of the Formula One Group, the race will be named as the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and the airline will be provided with a major trackside advertising package and podium branding for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
In promoting the sponsorship, Etihad intends to offer its customers a series of all-inclusive packages that include flights, accommodation and Grand Prix tickets. The airline has also re-painted one of its aircraft in the livery of a racing car.
“The F1 aircraft signals the beginning of a comprehensive programme of activities and promotions surrounding the Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix which will ensure the eyes of the world are on Abu Dhabi and the UAE,” said Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways' executive vice president marketing and product.
In addition to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Etihad Airways has also become a sponsor of the Spyker F1 team which has now been re-named Force India.
