The luxury watch brand Richard Mille has become a partner of the Venturi ABB FIA Formula E team.
The announcement was made ahead of the opening round of the 2018/19 FE season, this weekend’s Ad Diriyah E-Prix, and the deal will run for three seasons.
A Venturi statement explained that the new agreement is a “natural extension to the brand’s ongoing relationship with team driver, Felipe Massa, who became the brand’s very first sporting brand partner in 2004”.
Massa’s relationship with Richard Mille will continue for the next three FE seasons, with team-mate Edoardo Mortara also displaying the company’s products during the upcoming campaign.
“It’s impressive to see how far Formula E has evolved in just four short years,” said Venturi president Gildo Pastor. “The appeal of the series is clear for all to see, with incredible partners like Richard Mille and so many other respected blue chip brands flocking to participate.
“It’s a new era we’re looking forward to entering on Saturday. A year ago, I started the process of overhauling my team, as I wanted Venturi to be ready to challenge in a championship that will be more competitive than ever.
“After working with [customer squad] HWA and bringing in Felipe Massa and [team principal] Susie Wolff, the task of strengthening and optimising the team structure has continued under Susie and myself.
“This is now the perfect time for us to welcome new partners such as Richard Mille onboard.”
Massa added: “I’m very happy to bring Richard Mille into the Venturi family, I’ve loved working with them over the years. Their unwavering commitment to retain the beauty of their hand-craftmanship whilst driving future horological innovation without compromise really impresses me.
“It sets them apart and I’m pleased that we can continue our partnership now into Formula E. I’m sure we will do them proud. I’m really looking forward to getting out on the track in Ad Diriyah, I’ve had over six months with the VENTURI VFE-05, in private testing, official testing and the simulator, but there’s nothing like driving the race itself.
“The track looks incredible, I know how tough my competition will be, but I have a great team and a strong team mate in place, with great partners on board too, all the pieces of the puzzle are there to put on a high quality show.”
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