McLaren extend technology partnership

Team McLaren Mercedes and ExxonMobil Lubricants & Petroleum Specialties Company are delighted to announce a long-term extension to their Technology Partnership, which sees the Formula 1 team supplied with performance fuels and fully synthetic motor oils and lubricants through the Mobil 1 brand.

The Mobil 1, McLaren and Mercedes-Benz Partnership began in 1995, and has seen continuous advances in the technologies used by the team in Formula 1, as the sport concurrently provides the ultimate testing environments for fuels and lubricants in the everyday world of motoring.

The Mobil 1 brand will continue to feature prominently on the Team McLaren Mercedes MP4-21, in addition to presence across the team including on the overalls and helmets of drivers Kimi Raikkonen, Juan Pablo Montoya, Pedro de la Rosa and Gary Paffett, as well as on the team kit of the Team McLaren Mercedes personnel and the team's transporters.

"Our Technology Partnership with ExxonMobil is an integral element to the functioning of the Team McLaren Mercedes Formula 1 team, and it is immensely satisfying that we are today announcing a multi-year extension to what has been a productive 12 years," added Ron Dennis, Chairman and CEO of the McLaren Group. "Mobil 1 provides genuine performance enhancements to our car, which can be measured in real time analysis. The 2006 season has seen an increased dependence on the technological capabilities within ExxonMobil, with the change from V10 to V8 Mercedes-Benz engines providing additional challenges, which have been met and we are looking forward to continuing our relationship in the long-term."

"We're very pleased to continue this Technology Partnership with Team McLaren Mercedes." said Jerry Kohlenberger, President, ExxonMobil Lubricants & Petroleum Specialties Company. "It's a great fit for our Mobil 1 brand to be aligned with McLaren and Mercedes in a legacy of technology excellence as well as providing an excellent global venue for our brand presence. Finally, for ExxonMobil, a key benefit -- apart from winning Formula 1 races with a truly outstanding motorsports team -- is to use our on-track research and testing to develop and deliver new products that benefit everyday drivers under the most demanding driving conditions."

“The Technology Partnership between ExxonMobil, McLaren and Mercedes-Benz is a long lasting, successful and very productive one," said Norbert Haug, Vice-President, Mercedes-Benz Motorsport. "Since Team McLaren Mercedes and Mobil became partners the collaboration has always been exemplary. ExxonMobil fuels and lubricants have contributed to the performance of our Formula 1 engines and gearboxes and we can’t imagine a better technology partner. Our successful relationship in motor sport has led to a co-operation in Mercedes-Benz roadcars as well. Mobil 1 lubricants are first fill and first choice for all Mercedes-Benz AMG cars and the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. We are now looking forward to the long term continuation of our excellent partnership.”

In the 12 years of the Mobil 1, McLaren and Mercedes-Benz Technology Partnership the team has competed in 193 Grands Prix, winning 44. The two Drivers' and one Constructors' Formula 1 World Championships have been supported by 43 pole positions, 135 podiums, 227 points finishes and 58 fastest laps.