McLaren and Enkei extend partnership.

Team West McLaren Mercedes announced today the long-term extension of their partnership with world leader in street and race wheels Enkei.

The partnership, which began in 1995, is now set to continue with Enkei as the official supplier of lightweight magnesium race wheels to the West McLaren Mercedes Formula One team.

On average the McLaren team requires approximately 200 mounted Enkei wheels [50 sets] at each Grand Prix to cover every option of tyre usage possible.

"Our involvement with the West McLaren Mercedes team provides us with a fantastic platform to achieve global recognition for the Enkei brand," said Richard Pease, chairman and CEO, North American Operations. "More importantly, our relationship with West McLaren Mercedes sees us constantly pushing the boundaries of wheel technology with regards to lightness and aerodynamics - a challenge relished by all our engineers. Ultimately, of course, our rapid development programme with McLaren provides us with the advanced knowledge and ability to transfer this technology to our street wheels to the benefit of all our customers."

"We are always pleased to have a partner extending their relationship with us as it's a clear indication that the synergies work," said Martin Whitmarsh, managing director, McLaren International. "Like McLaren, Enkei is constantly searching for excellence to achieve their goal of being the best in their business and everybody in the West McLaren Mercedes team is looking forward to continuing working together with Enkei in the future."

The Enkei logo will continue to feature heavily on the wheels used by the McLaren Mercedes F1 cars.