Formula One motor-racing team Lotus has concluded its second significant sponsorship deal this week after announcing a partnership with mobile communications and connectivity company Yota Devices.
Gérard Lopez, Lotus’ co-chairman and team principal, said today that Yota Devices’ YotaPhone brand will become an “important partner” and sponsor the team during the forthcoming 2014 F1 season. Images of Lotus’ new car on the team’s website indicate that YotaPhone will receive brand exposure on the front wing of the car.
The YotaPhone deal comes days after Danish online trading and investment group Saxo Bank announced a one-year sponsorship agreement with Lotus, which finished fourth in the F1 constructors’ championship last season. It also coincided with more upheaval in the management of the team, with team principal Eric Boullier resigning from his position with immediate effect.
Boullier has been widely linked with assuming the same position at rival team McLaren-Mercedes. Lopez will now combine his position on the Lotus board with the role of team principal with immediate effect. As a result, the other chairmanship responsibilities will be shared with co-chairman Andy Ruhan.