Marussia F1 team has announced a partnership with League Championship Reading FC, according to Andrew Gwilym of the PA.
The alliance "will include significant branding exposure in their respective fields as well as marketing and promotional initiatives."
The Reading badge was displayed on the Marussias of Max Chilton and Jules Bianchi, "while the Marussia logo will appear on the reverse of the Royals' jersey during the upcoming season." Both teams "are under Russian ownership" -- Banbury-based Marussia is owned by the carmaker of the same name, while businessman Anton Zingarevich holds the reins at the Royals (PA, 6/30).
REUTERS' Alan Baldwin reported Marussia said that the partnership "would see both promote the other through joint marketing initiatives," while also collaborating on fitness, nutrition and coaching programs. Two other F1 teams "already have close ties to football clubs." Swiss-based Sauber last year announced a partnership with EPL Chelsea, which is owned by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich.
Back-markers Caterham is owned by Malaysian aviation entrepreneur Tony Fernandes, whose Queens Park Rangers side was relegated with Reading. Its cars carry the QPR badge (REUTERS, 6/30).
