CNN Press Release: Lotus Racing and CNN International have today announced a partnership deal that sees the newest Formula One™ team entering into a long-term agreement with the world’s leading news network. CNN’s world-famous logo will feature on the T127 race cars, the drivers’ overalls and on all team clothing.

The deal will be managed by CNN’s commercial ‘Partner Solutions Group’, which is led by Rani R. Raad, senior vice president of CNN International Advertising Sales.

“The combination of two such iconic and aspirational global brands fits perfectly with CNN’s worldwide reach and brand positioning,” said Raad. “This unique partnership with Lotus Racing takes CNN into a new era of marketing and promotions and puts us in front of a worldwide audience of millions.”

A delighted Lotus Racing Team Principal Tony Fernandes commented: “We are very proud to welcome CNN into the Lotus Racing family. It is a sign of the positive impact we have already made in the global business market that such a prestigious brand, familiar to millions around the world as the definitive source of news and current affairs, has made the decision to partner with us. The whole team and I are looking forward to working with CNN in the months and years to come on some very exciting campaigns.”

About Lotus Racing

Lotus Racing joins the 2010 Formula One™ World Championship as one of the new teams granted an entry in 2009. The team has been through an accelerated growth curve from being granted its entry on September 12th 2009 to launching its T127 race car just five months later on February 12th 2010, and beginning testing in mid February in Jerez, Spain. With Tony Fernandes as its inspirational Team Principal, the team has a visionary leader, working closely with his Deputy Team Principals SM Nasarudin and Kamarudin Meranun to guide Chief Technical Officer Mike Gascoyne, drivers Jarno Trulli and Heikki Kovalainen and the ever growing team on the path to long-term success.

The Formula One™ World Championship is a truly global phenomenon, just like CNN. The 19 race schedule takes the teams to all corners of the world and Lotus Racing, with a classic British name, owned by a Malaysian businessman, with drivers from Italy and Finland epitomises the international pedigree of the championship.

The season starts in Bahrain, March 14, and continues on March 28, Australia; April 4, Malaysia; April 18, China; May 9, Spain; May 16, Monaco; May 30, Turkey; June 13, Canada; June 27, Europe (Valencia); July 11 Great Britain; July 25, Germany; August 1, Hungary; August 29, Belgium; September 12, Italy; September 26, Singapore; October 10, Japan; October 24, Korea; November 7, Brazil; November 14, Abu Dhabi.