Famous marque's name returns to F1 after half-century absence
Thursday 17 March 2016 09:37, UK
Red Bull have announced a new partnership with Aston Martin which will see the famous marque's name return to F1 for the first time in half a century.
The sports car company's logo will appear on the RB12 from the Australian GP onwards, giving the firm a presence alongside road car rivals Ferrari and McLaren.
Red Bull and Aston Martin will form an "Innovation Partnership" with the end goal of creating a new road-going hypercar.
However, the deal - at least at this stage - does not extend to a plan for Aston Martin to provide the former F1 world champions with an engine supply.
Red Bull are running TAG-branded Renault engines in 2016 after agreeing a one-year extension with the French firm.
As part of his role with Red Bull Technologies, design guru Adrian Newey has already designed a concept car for Aston Martin. He will now work Aston Martin's chief creative officer Marek Reichman to create a "ground-breaking" new car.
"This is a very exciting project for everyone at Red Bull Racing," said team principal Christian Horner.
"It's an incredible project and also realises a dream and vision long held by Adrian to design a road car. We are very much looking forward to what I'm certain will be a successful partnership."
Aston Martin's interest in returning to F1 took major steps forward in 2015 when they spoke to various teams about potential deals.
Having been guests of Force India at July's British GP, the two parties were in "advanced talks" late last year about a deal which would have seen the team rebranded as Aston Martin Racing.
"Formula 1 offers the ultimate global stage to build wider awareness of the Aston Martin brand," said Aston Martin CEO Andy Palmer.
The first race of the 2016 F1 season, the Australian GP, is exclusively live on Sky Sports F1. The race in Melbourne starts at 5am on Sunday March 20.
