McLaren have confirmed they have signed another Spanish sponsor for next season in the shape of Banco Santander Central Hispano. The bank was attracted to McLaren because they will feature Spaniard Fernando Alonso as one of their drivers. It is reported that the deal is for 5 years at a rumoured cost of $13million per season.
Ron Dennis explained “I am delighted to welcome Santander as a sponsor. Having a brand like Santander, with excellent results and a great international presence, joining our sponsor lineup is a positive. Both companies are dynamic and have the ambition to continue growing and innovating. We hope this agreement will bring new successes in the future.”
Banco Santander is part owned by McLaren’s other main Spanish sponsor, Mutua Madrilena. There is speculation that the sponsorship is meant to boost Pedro de la Rosa into the second race seat to complete an all-Spanish driver line-up for the 2007 season.
