BAR Join Forces with Chinese Portal

The BAR team announced today a long-term partnership agreement with Chinese internet portal SINA, starting at this weekend's British Grand Prix.

The SINA logo will be featured within the BAR car's livery for the first time this weekend at the team's home race at Silverstone. In addition, SINA will also host a bespoke Chinese version of the team's website.

The language and content will be adapted specifically to China, which will host their first Formula One Grand Prix next season.

"This partnership is a very exciting step for BAR as it is potentially the most significant agreement since the team was founded," said team boss David Richards. "We are delighted to have demonstrated to SINA that Formula One and BAR can offer the company an unrivalled marketing platform as it seeks to expand its market share.

"China will have a major impact on Formula One when it joins the calendar in 2004. It has the potential to almost double the existing worldwide audience of the sport and I am pleased that the partnership between BAR and SINA is the first to capitalise on the exciting commercial opportunities that are emerging in this new Formula One market."