Timely move for Oris and McNish.

Britain's newest Formula One driver, Allan McNish has secured the backing of Swiss watch makers Oris for his debut Grand Prix season.

Oris, established in Switzerland in 1904 by Paul Cattin and Georges Christian, are best known for milestone developments in mechanical watch making including their time-zone defying Worldtimer watch, the multi-functional Complication and of course the Oris Chronographs.

McNish, driving for Formula One newcomers Toyota, will sport Oris branding on his race overalls and helmet in a deal initially set for two years. The association with McNish and Formula One fits well with Oris' lead markets including Britain, Germany and Japan.

"Allan McNish and Formula One reflect perfectly the dynamics of Oris watches," explained Oris President and Managing Director Ulrich W. Herzog. "The Oris High-Mech line, including the Big Crown TT1, mirrors the rhythm of motor racing, with our ethos being, performance reigns supreme. Allan McNish has proved himself to be a winner in every category of motor racing he has contested. We wish to align ourselves with his previous successes and future achievements in Formula One."

CSS Stellar Sales and Marketing Director Dominic Reilly commented: "We're delighted that Oris will sponsor Allan McNish in Formula One. Allan is a great ambassador for any company. With this being his maiden year in F1, as well as Toyota's, I'm sure the exposure gained by Oris through this deal will be significant. Oris already utilise the imagery and ideals associated with motor racing, this partnership will bring to life their marketing ideals and allow them a truly global platform to expand their brand."

Allan McNish, a CSS Stellar Management client, will make his F1 debut in Melbourne on March 3rd. A year of test work for Toyota in 2001 led to Allan's confirmation alongside Mika Salo as the team's official race driver.

McNish's rise to the pinnacle of motorsport has been varied but with much success, most recently in sports cars. Winner of the prestigious Le Mans 24 Hour Race in 1998, McNish then went on to dominate the 2000 American Le Mans Series, claiming the title with six wins and a total of 10 podiums from 12 rounds.