French automotive manufacturer Renault has agreed a deal to sponsor Formula One’s French Grand Prix, which returns to the motor-racing series’ calendar in 2018 after a 10-year absence.
Renault has signed an official partnership with the Grand Prix de France Interest Group (GIP) ahead of this year’s event at Le Castellet’s Circuit Paul Ricard, near Marseille, on June 22-24.
Renault will receive extensive brand exposure over the course of the race weekend, with a distinctive yellow grandstand to be developed.
Renault will also provide a fleet of official vehicles for the circuit, while a bespoke brand area and fan zone activities will form part of the agreement. The company, which runs a team in Formula One, will also have several thousand guests in attendance at the event.
Christian Estrosi, president of French Grand Prix GIP – Le Castellet, said: “The French automotive industry is one of our country’s finest assets and a source of national pride.
“Now that we have successfully secured the return of the French Grand Prix to the Formula One calendar after a 10-year absence, Renault has the opportunity to show off the excellence of its engineering and technology which is continually pushing back the boundaries on home soil.
“There is a genuine French drive in Formula One today, with the nation represented by a home team, French team managers working for other teams, three drivers on the grid and a long list of other key French players in the sport.”
France was awarded a five-year contract to host an F1 grand prix back in December 2016. The French Grand Prix, previously a historic mainstay in F1, was last held in 2008.