The Sauber Formula One motor racing team has signed a partnership with financial institution Banco do Brasil for 2015 following confirmation that Brazilian rookie Felipe Nasr will be part of its driver line-up next season.
Banco do Brasil, a mixed-capital corporation whose controlling shareholder is the Brazilian government, has sponsored the 22-year-old (pictured in action for Williams) throughout his motor racing career in the Formula BMW Europe, Formula 3 and GP2 categories, as well as his spell as a reserve driver for the Williams F1 team this year.
The bank’s branding will feature on the side pods and back of the rear wings of Nasr’s race car during the 2015 campaign.
Hayton Rocha, marketing and communications director of Banco do Brasil, said: “The main objective of this partnership is to make possible the entry of a new Brazilian driver into Formula One – a sport that has a faithful audience in our country. Banco do Brasil believes in the potential of Felipe Nasr, considered by the specialists to be the most promising Brazilian in motor racing since Ayrton Senna.”
Nasr securing a drive at Sauber expands Banco do Brasil’s sponsorship presence in Formula One. It also partners Williams, which has veteran Brazilian Felipe Massa as one of its drivers.