Lenovo to McLaren

UPDATE This rumor is upgraded to 'fact' today. Global PC manufacturer Lenovo and the McLaren Mercedes team have announced a partnership ahead of the 2009 Formula 1 season. Lenovo notebook and desktop PCs will provide the team's computing solutions, both at the race track and at its headquarters.

The announcement confirms the termination of Lenovo's previous sponsorship with the Williams team.

Engineers and technology specialists from the Chinese manufacturer have already begun to specify the mobile wireless computing technology required by McLaren Mercedes, as well as desktop computing needs for the pit garage and pit wall battle stations.

"Both Vodafone McLaren Mercedes and Lenovo are committed to the competitive advantages from exceptional engineering," said Martin Whitmarsh, the team's CEO Formula One. "We are looking forward to the significant technology contribution that Lenovo will provide through its notebooks and desktop computer solutions."

"Vodafone McLaren Mercedes performs at the highest level in Formula 1 and integrates PC technology into every aspect of its car design, development and racing — as well as its business operations," said Deepak Advani, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for Lenovo.

"Lenovo has an excellent heritage of computing performance and reliability in complex, high-profile, global events — such as the Olympic Games — and we look forward to making a significant contribution to the team."

12/08/08 We hear that Lenovo will announce tomorrow that it is to sponsor the McLaren team next year. The company has been involved with Williams in recent years, but decided not to continue the arrangement. McLaren is not offering on-car sponsorship as was the case at Williams but the Lenovo marketing men seem to have decided that a sponsorship with McLaren plus trackside advertising will bring better returns on the F1 investment. Grandprix.com