Sportswear brand Puma will this week announce its entry into Formula One sponsorship with a long-term deal to become the official clothing and footwear supplier to the Jordan Grand Prix team.
The agreement will involve Puma branding on Jordan's drivers and race personnel, beginning with the car launch and the opening Grand Prix of the 2001 season in Australia in March. Jordan's cars will be driven this year by German Heinz-Harald Frentzen and the Italian Jarno Trulli.
The deal was engineered by general manager of the Jordan brand Bill Sweeney and Puma board vice-chairman in Germany Martin Gaensler.
Both parties declined to comment on their plans, but the deal could potentially see Puma becoming involved in Jordan's brand development programme on the high street, with the launch of Jordan-branded Puma clothing and footwear.
Jordan chief executive Eddie Jordan commented: 'Puma is one of the leading brands in athletic footwear, apparel and accessories, and Formula One will provide an excellent global arena for it.'
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