McLaren has now signed another Spanish sponsor in the form of bank Banco Santander Central Hispano.
Daily newspapers Marca and As Diario added on Tuesday that, like former Renault backer Mutua Madrilena, the Spanish bank was attracted to McLaren because it will feature in 2007 double world champion Fernando Alonso at the car’s wheel.
In Madrid, team boss Ron Dennis signed the reportedly five year deal on Tuesday with Santander’s executive vice-president Juan Manuel Cendoya. The contract begins on 1 January, including a logo on the MP4-22 car, and drivers’ overalls and helmets, for a rumoured cost of $13m per season.
It is reported that Banco Santander is part-owned by McLaren’s other main Spanish sponsor, Mutua Madrilena. As Newspaper says the sponsorship news could be a boost to Pedro de la Rosa, whose appointment in 2007 would complete an all-Spanish McLaren driver lineup.
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DailyF1News.com
