Pirelli backs Luna Rossa’s America’s Cup challenge

Italian tyre manufacturer Pirelli has agreed a deal to sponsor Luna Rossa, the Challenger of Record for the 36th edition of the America’s Cup sailing event.

Luna Rossa said the partnership is steered towards the development of a multi-year project that will lead to its participation in the next edition of the America’s Cup, which is set to be held in New Zealand in 2021.

Pirelli will share co-title sponsorship rights to the vessel with Italian fashion house Prada, which partnered with Luna Rossa in January.

Luna Rossa is set for its fifth tilt at the America’s Cup and in the upcoming edition it will be the Challenger of Record for Emirates Team New Zealand, the winner of the most recent event. Pirelli sponsored Emirates Team New Zealand (pictured) during that event.

Marco Tronchetti Provera, executive vice-president and chief executive of Pirelli, said: “Pirelli chose to be a part of this project because it represents both a sporting and technological challenge, able to bring Italy and the Pirelli brand to the attention of the entire world.”

The first two regattas of the America’s Cup will take place in 2019, with another three to be held in 2020. From January 2021, there will be the Prada Cup, Challenger selection regattas, followed by the 36th edition of the America’s Cup which is scheduled for March 2021.