Puma signs two-year Minardi deal.

Sportswear giant Puma AG and the Minardi F1 team have agreed a two-year partnership contract where the German-based company becomes official racewear partner of the resurgent Italian operation.

Puma signs two-year Minardi deal.

Sportswear giant Puma AG and the Minardi F1 team have agreed a two-year partnership contract where the German-based company becomes official racewear partner of the resurgent Italian operation.

Puma vice-president Martin G?nsler confirmed that the entire Minardi crew will be kitted out with Puma footwear, including the fireproof boots worn by the refuelling team and the two drivers, Jos Verstappen and Justin Wilson. In addition, the Puma logo will be featured on the fireproof racewear of the pit crew and drivers, as well as on the headrests of the Minardi race cars and two-seaters.

"As an underdog team that often exceeds expectations, Minardi has won the sympathy of many," G?nsler said, "We do understand that, under the current difficult general economic situation, keeping a racing team going in a high profile and global sport as Formula One is not an easy task.

"Giancarlo Minardi has always put a lot of passion into his team and this continues with Paul Stoddart, a passionate racer himself. It is amazing what the Minardi team achieved in 2002, despite a limited budget that prevented the team from showing their full potential. I personally like the atmosphere in the team very much and wish them all the best to hopefully achieve a similar result to 2002, at the Formula One season-opener in Melbourne on 9 March."

Although the team has yet to announce its full line-up of sponsors, boss Stoddart welcomed Puma's contribution to the cause.

"Minardi is very happy and proud to have Puma as its new racewear partner," he confirmed, "Having worn the company's excellent shoes for many years, we can attest to the quality and comfort of Puma products. We can also be certain that this new range of fireproof clothing and footwear, which will be used by Minardi drivers and crew, will stand up to the demanding environment of Formula One, as Puma is a company that understands motorsport. We look forward to what I'm sure is going to be a mutually beneficial relationship."

Minardi enters 2003 with a significantly improved technical package based around an evolution of the highly effective PS02 chassis and the powerful Cosworth Racing CR-3 engine.

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