Honda have unveiled a new livery on the eve of their first full season in the World Touring Car Championship, with Castrol coming on board as title sponsor.
The deal with the lubricants brand sees the Civic WTCC decked out in a green, white and red livery in time for this weekend’s season opener at Monza. The team will be known as the Castrol Honda World Touring Car Team.
“We are delighted to have Castrol join us as our team’s title sponsor,” said team principal Alessandro Mariani after the unveiling at the WTCC media presentation in Turin.
“Like Honda, Castrol has a long and proud history in the world of motorsport and their enthusiasm and passion for racing matches our own. I look forward to our partnership in 2013 and on achieving the success and results we are all aiming for.”
Donald Smith, Castrol Global Marketing Manager, added: “For us, and I’m sure for racing fans around the world too, there is also something special about the coming together of two brands with such rich and successful racing pedigrees.
“Equally, it seems so fitting that the new livery works on so many levels too – from Castrol and Honda sharing the red and white, to the combined colours reflecting the nationalities of the team and drivers.”
Lead driver Gabriele Tarquini said: “The livery on the Civic looks absolutely fantastic and I’m sure it will wow the fans this season. I know a lot of thought and time has gone into its design and it’s the colours of the Italian flag too, so I couldn’t be more pleased.”
Teammate Tiago Monteiro’s personal backer Brose has also come on board as a co-sponsor.
“Castrol is such an iconic brand and sponsor in the world of motorsport, so I feel very honoured to be flying their colours this season,” said the Portuguese driver. “I’m equally pleased that Brose, who has been a long term supporter of my career, is joining the team as co-sponsors. Like Gabriele, I will be looking to repay their support with results.”
Thomas Spangler, President of Brose Asia, added: “Brose has been a long term supporter of Tiago Monteiro, so we are really pleased with this announcement today that we are not only supporting his efforts in the WTCC campaign, but the entire Honda team. We saw a glimpse in the last three races of the 2012 season what the team is capable of and we can’t wait to see the team reach its full potential in 2013.”
