Infiniti new main sponsor of Red Bull in F1

Japanese manufacturer Infiniti will be Red Bull Racing's new main sponsor in F1 in 2011, although the deal will not lead to a name change for Renault's engines. Infiniti, the luxury brand of the Renault Nissan alliance, has chosen the Austrian team to improve its brand awareness and sales globally.

The agreement will initially be for two years and will also involve technical collaboration between the team and the manufacturer. Infinite logos will be featured on the team's overalls and prominent areas of the car, including the rear wing and nose.

The presence of Infiniti will support but not replace that of Renault on the car of the world champion team. The French manufacturer will remain the engine supplier and its logos will continue to be present on the car.

Christian Horner, team principal of the team, said: “Red Bull has always had a different approach, so when the Infiniti management presented us with their innovative plans we were very open to working with them. After achieving two titles in 2010, we are even more excited to start the season with a new partner like Infiniti."

Horner also highlighted the importance of the technical collaboration with Infiniti: “As an independent team we are not battery specialists and we are not KERS specialists. We want to focus on designing and producing F1 chassis, and if we can draw on Nissan and Infiniti's technology pool it will be very positive for us."