Kovalainen visits Poland

ING Renault F1 Team driver Heikki Kovalainen made his first visit to Warsaw, Poland today at the invitation of ING, the title sponsor of the ING Renault F1 Team. Heikki spoke to ING employees, brought them an insight into the ING-sponsored Warsaw City Demonstration Event on the 2/3rd June organized by Renault Polska, and also took the opportunity to inspect the Warsaw city streets along which he will be racing in just over a month’s time.

Heikki Kovalainen’s visit to Poland continues the ING Renault F1 Team’s commitment to bringing F1 to Poland and making the sport accessible to Polish fans, an initiative that will be cemented by the spectacular city demonstration event in early June . Currently considered one of the most promising young talents in Formula 1, Heikki made his race debut at the start of the 2007 season as one of the two race drivers for the ING Renault F1 Team, alongside team-mate Giancarlo Fisichella.

“I am delighted to be making my first visit to Warsaw today,” commented the Finn. “I have had a fantastic welcome from our sponsors at ING, and I can really feel the enthusiasm for Formula 1 in Poland. It has been exciting to learn about the Polish fans’ view of our sport, and to answer their questions about life as an F1 driver. Of course, today’s visit is also a preparation for our ING Renault F1 Team Roadshow in June. It’s going to a real thrill to drive the F1 car on the streets of Warsaw, and thanks to Renault and ING, it will help the fans in this country get closer than ever before to Formula 1. I’m certainly looking forward to it, and I hope they are too!”

ING Nationale-Nederland employees had the opportunity to listen to Heikki talk about his F1 experiences, and gain an insight into the ‘behind the scenes’ work involved in driving for the double world champion ING Renault F1 Team. Heikki also provided a tantalising glimpse into the excitement of the forthcoming Warsaw City Demo Event, when the streets of Warsaw will echo to the sound of the F1 car’s 2.4 litre V8 engine, as he explained the unusual sensation of driving a thoroughbred Formula 1 car through everyday city streets. ING staff also enjoyed a question and answer session with Heikki, as they quizzed him about life in the spotlight in one of the world’s most popular sports.

Rien Hermans, member of the board of ING Nationale-Nederlanden said: “We are very excited that Heikki has come to Poland to tell us about his job, the everyday routine, as well as bringing us a special insight into the rewards and challenges of being an F1 driver. We want to help familiarise Poles with Formula 1, as part of ING’s culture of being open and accessible, and this event has been a perfect preparation for the forthcoming Roadshow event, which will be sponsored by ING.“

Michel Tilmant, Chairman of the Executive board of ING Group, said: “Our Formula 1 programme is a global sponsorship initiative which will help us to enhance the awareness of ING as a top tier global financial services organisation active in banking, insurance and asset management. By combining the title sponsorship of the ING Renault F1 Team with a global trackside branding campaign at the majority of circuits and a co-ordinated global marketing campaign, we will ensure that the ING brand reaches the broadest possible customer base.”