The Mercedes GP outfit announced a new multi-year partnership deal with PUMA on Wednesday.
The deal will come into effect from January 1st 2012 and will see the sportswear company become the team’s exclusive licensing partner for footwear, apparel and accessories, and an official team partner, replacing Henri Lloyd.
The MGP W03 – next years challenger – will also incorporate PUMA branding as will the teams race wear.
Ross Brawn, Mercedes team principal, said of the deal: “PUMA has a long and successful heritage in motorsport and, having worked with them previously in Formula One, I know their technical performance innovations for racewear are amongst the best in the industry, which is of course critical to our racing operation. PUMA’s global capability to design, develop and distribute licensed products for fans of the Silver Arrows around the world is equally impressive. This is a key partnership for Mercedes GP, and one we are delighted to have established.”
Christian Voigt, Senior Head of Global Sports Marketing at PUMA added: “PUMA is fully committed to motorsport for the long term, and signing this partnership with the Mercedes GP team is a major statement for us as a brand. Mercedes-Benz has such a rich heritage in motorsport and Mercedes GP is an exciting continuation of this story. With such talented drivers and team personnel, it’s clear they are destined for great things in the years to come. Combining our experience in licensed product development and distribution with the brand equity of the team has significant commercial benefits for both parties, and is another strong basis for this new partnership.”
PUMA currently sponsor and supply much of Ferrari’s teamwear too.
