Sidepodcast

Renault F1 Announce HP Sponsorship Agreement

Credit: RenaultF1

HP branding will appear on the R30 from the first race of the year.

On the eve of the first F1 practice session of the year, the Renault F1 Team have announced a major sponsorship deal with technology company Hewlett-Packard. The new agreement means the R30 cars will run with significant HP branding adorning the bodywork.

The team will also obtain access to HP technology in order to further develop simulation technologies on the back of HP High Performance Computing servers. Additionally HP will help the team to reduce its carbon footprint, by implementing 'greener' data centres, and utilising low-energy-consumption workstations.

Renault F1 Team Chairman, Gérard Lopez commented:

"F1 has a proven ability to boost brand awareness around the world, and we are proud that Renault F1 Team will be HP's partner of choice in achieving this goal."

A rather optimistic HP representative noted the company intended to offer the best technology to support Renault F1 in their quest for victory.

Hewlett-Packard have long been using Formula One as means of promoting technological development, running a major branding campaign on the Williams teams cars from 2002 to 2005.

Daily: 27th January 2010

Tuesday has been and gone and we are moving on to the middle of the week. We are rapidly heading straight towards another launch tomorrow, but before then, there's some kind of technology announcement due today. Relax, all those who hate the word Apple, we will have our first ever non-F1 breakout thread to separate those that care from those that don't. Hopefully that might make things a bit easier. Meanwhile, here are some actual F1 things to discuss:

• Mr C is very impressed with the goings on in Enstone, and it's fair to say that Renault are his favourite team once more. For now, at least. Joe has written a great post about the team and what they've been up to, and there's some yellow and black livery in the post for those who prefer that sort of look.
• Dan has started up a new page on the wiki entitled Sidepodcast Radio Theatre. The idea is to take a theatre style look at some Formula 1 events, and at the moment, there's a take on Star Wars known as Car Wars. Have a look at the page, and get your creative thinking caps on!
• I wrote a post yesterday that although it was based on a pretty tenuous rumour, has the potential for some great stories. Have you ever had to miss a Grand Prix because someone scheduled an event at the same time? We're talking weddings, but you can share any important moments. Which race did you miss? Did you catch up later? Have your say.

That should do it for now. Let us know what you're up to today, particularly if you're not watching Steve Jobs do his thing, and I'll see you in the comments.

Anyone for a Breakaway?

The Formula One Teams' Association has announced that it is setting up a breakaway championship. Eight of the current Formula One teams met up at the Renault factory in Enstone and concluded that enough was enough, it's time to do things their own way.

A statement from FOTA read:

The teams cannot continue to compromise on the fundamental values of the sport and have declined to alter their original conditional entries to the 2010 World Championship. These teams therefore have no alternative other than to commence the preparation for a new Championship which reflects the values of its participants and partners.

Then they really twist the knife on the FIA President Max Mosley, with the rather excellent:

This series will have transparent governance, one set of regulations, encourage more entrants and listen to the wishes of the fans, including offering lower prices for spectators worldwide, partners and other important stakeholders.

Fighting talk indeed.

While there's nothing to say any of the above will come to fruition, is does mean that today's FIA imposed deadline is all but shot to pieces. Evidently current drivers and sponsors will migrate to the new series on mass, and importantly so will "promoters". Which begs the question where does Bernie stand in all of this?

Now the cat is really amongst the pigeons. Finally the sport has taken a significant step forward and suddenly we find ourselves interested in the politics of F1 again. As ever, feel free to discuss events in the comments.