Bird secures BP backing.

Sam Bird has secured major backing for his first season in the British F3 International Series with the news that the Carlin driver will be supported by BP for the 2007 campaign.

The sponsorship, which will see BP branding featured on the sidepods of Bird's Dallara-Mercedes as well as his race suit and visor, will showcase the BP Ultimate range of premium fuels, including BP Ultimate 102 unleaded - the highest-octane petrol available on British forecourts.

Bird will also become an ambassador for the brand throughout the season.

"I am delighted to have the support of BP, a household name and one of the world's leading energy producers," the 20-year-old said. "I hope our relationship will be a long and fruitful one."

The deal sees BP expand its involvement in motorsport to a new arena, and UK fuels marketing manager Mark Reader said the company was delighted to go into partnership with one of the anticipated front-runners for the season ahead.

"Teaming up with Sam Bird is a showcase for the performance benefits of BP Ultimate fuels," he said. "The brand is already prominent in the World Rally Championship - and this gives us a platform to engage with a different group of motorsports fans as well as a presence at race circuits.

"Sam's an incredible prospect and we're excited to be getting into a relationship at this stage of his career."