Foster's secures San Marino sponsorship.

Foster's Brewing International has announced that it has taken title sponsorship of the San Marino Grand Prix from 2003, adding the Italian-based race to a portfolio that already includes some of the best events on the Formula One calendar.

"This is another first for Foster's," said managing director Richard Scully, "Foster's already has title sponsorship of the first race of the FIA Formula One World Championship, the forthcoming Foster's Australian Grand Prix, and is now delighted to also have title sponsorship of the first European race of the season."

The Foster's San Marino Grand Prix, to be held at Imola on 20 April, is the fourth race on the championship calendar, and continues Foster's long and proud association with Formula One events which dates back to 1986. Foster's is now the title sponsor of three races - the Australian Grand Prix, the British Grand Prix and the San Marino Grand Prix - having previously been associated with the annual event at Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium which, sadly, does not feature on the 2003 schedule.

Additionally, the Australian beer brand has premium trackside signage at twelve F1 events, with the Austrian Grand Prix a new inclusion for 2003. It also has exclusive 'pouring rights' at most races throughout the season, ensuring that it is the premium beer at all but a few grands prix.

Sold in over 150 countries, Foster's is one of the fastest growing international premium beer brands in the world today, and Italy is the fourth largest market in continental Europe for its lager. It is also the home of Foster's Group's premium winery, Castello di Gabbiano.