DHL extends Formula 1 logistics deal

DHL and Formula 1 have announced that their nine-year official partnership is being extended. It means that the distinctive yellow and red livery will continue to be associated with the sport, maintaining its official logistics and global partner designations. In addition, DHL will continue to sponsor the fastest lap award, which is given to the driver who has the highest number of quick times throughout the FIA Formula 1 World Championship season. Roger Crook, chief executive of DHL global forwarding, freight, said that the sport is the perfect fit for the organisation's "world-class portfolio of global partnerships". "Our partnership is built on a shared commitment to values such as speed, precision and conquering new frontiers. DHL has long been a pioneer in global transportation and supply chain management and has over 25 years of experience in motorsports logistics, specifically. "We are confident that we can continue to add exceptional value to Formula 1 as it expands to new markets and continuously innovates to deliver excitement to its global fan base.” Bernie Ecclestone, the chief executive of the Formula One Group, added that he was very pleased to be continuing the partnership with DHL. He added that the motorsport has a long-standing operational and commercial relationship with DHL, noting that the company was renowned for delivering exceptional quality. DHL will be providing express, ocean, air freight, customs brokerage and specialist handling at race circuits around the world as the season progresses. Among the cargo will be tens of race cars, components including new engines and tyres, broadcast and telemetry equipment, and fuel. The 2013 season got underway last weekend (March 17th) in Melbourne, Australia, with Lotus driver Kimi Raikkonen beating Ferrari's Fernando Alonso to the chequered flag. The teams will now head on to Malaysia with DHL playing its role in transporting race equipment and cars to Sepang in time for the race weekend which begins on March 22nd. China and Bahrain are next up in April, before the Formula 1 roadshow moves on to Europe.