Italian tyre manufacturer Pirelli has agreed a deal to title sponsor the Formula One motor-racing series’ returning French Grand Prix.
Le Castellet’s Circuit Paul Ricard will host France’s first F1 grand prix in 10 years from June 22-24. The track has staged the French GP 14 times, most recently in 1990.
France was awarded a five-year contract to host an F1 grand prix back in December 2016. Pirelli’s sponsorship of the event will initially cover this year’s race.
Pirelli has served as F1’s exclusive tyre supplier since 2011. In October 2015, it signed a three-year extension to its partnership, covering the 2017 to 2019 seasons.
Mario Isola, Pirelli’s head of car racing, said: “F1 is an extraordinary platform for research and development for our technical teams, but also a wonderful communication tool. As France is one of the biggest markets, it was key for us to reinforce our visibility and our presence on the circuit and the paddock. The French round at Le Castellet will be an important moment in the 2018 season and Pirelli is happy to be part of it as a title sponsor.”
F1 currently has three French drivers in the form of Esteban Ocon (middle of picture), Romain Grosjean (front of picture) and Pierre Gasly.
Last week, Singapore Airlines renewed its title sponsorship of its home grand prix. The new two-year deal covers the 2018 and 2019 editions of the event.