Emirates
Chairman Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed al-Maktoum said that the deal has an
annual value of at least $10m.
The Emirates
logo will now be displayed on Formula
One circuit bridges, course grounds and in team paddocks,
starting with the Malaysian
Grand Prix in March.
Formula
One boss Bernie Ecclestone, who was present at the signing
ceremony in Dubai, said the deal would "lend strong support to
Emirates’ ambitious expansion plans".
The
sponsorship deal includes 15 races this season starting in Malaysia,
and historic circuits such as Silverstone in the UK and Monza in
Italy. But it will not sponsor the Australian, Monaco, Bahrain or Abu
Dhabi Grand Prix.
The
airline's total sports sponsorship is valued at 1bn dirhams this
year, Sheikh Ahmed said.
