The Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team has just confirmed a race partnership agreement with Indian firm Bharti Airtel for the 2012 Airtel Indian Grand Prix. Airtel was also title sponsor of the inaugural race at the Buddh International Circuit in New Delhi in October 2011, and will continue the role this year, but now with more influence as they also partner with Mercedes.
Airtel branding will feature on the airbox and headrest of the Mercedes AMG F1 W03 car, and on the racesuits and helmets of Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg, for the duration of the 2012 Airtel Indian Grand Prix weekend only. Bharti Airtel has said that they will use the association with Mercedes to further promote Formula One within India, with a host of innovative content and experiences planned both before and during the 2012 Airtel Indian Grand Prix. Michael and Nico will also feature in a television campaign in India to promote the race and Bharti Airtel’s involvement. This is more good news for F1 which has been lacking sponsors and loosing viewership over the years, but now that they have targeted areas that are developing such as India, the sport seems to have found some youth in term of investments.