Nicorette to sponsor World Champion Burns.

World Rally Champion Richard Burns will be supported in the defence of his title in 2002 by Nicorette.

Nicorette, manufactured by Pharmacia, are one of the best-known names in nicotine replacement therapy with products available around the world. The full range of Nicorette products includes patches, gum, inhalers, nasal sprays and microtabs.

World Rally Champion Richard Burns will be supported in the defence of his title in 2002 by Nicorette.

Nicorette, manufactured by Pharmacia, are one of the best-known names in nicotine replacement therapy with products available around the world. The full range of Nicorette products includes patches, gum, inhalers, nasal sprays and microtabs.

The two year deal will see Burns, driving for Peugeot in the World Rally Championship, sport the Nicorette logo on his racing apparel throughout the season in addition to promotional appearances on behalf of the company.

Nicorette are keen to further establish their brand, particularly in the UK market and see their association with England's first ever World Rally Champion as an innovative way of promoting their product and achieving further brand awareness.

Peter Felix, Pharmacia's Director of Global Business explained: "Many of the qualities needed to succeed in the World Rally Championship mirror the values needed to give up smoking. We see Richard as an ideal role model for our brand, his courage and determination have culminated in his World Rally success and we look forward to the start of our association at the Swedish Rally."

"With tobacco branding gradually being phased out of sport this is an ideal time for Nicorette to enter the sponsorship arena," commented CSS Stellar Sales and Marketing Director Dominic Reilly, who brokered the deal. "The media interest in Richard has always been substantial and this has increased greatly since his title win in November. As defending Champion the spotlight will again be on Richard and therefore Nicorette's association will result in substantial media exposure."

Twice runner-up in the World Rally Championship (1999, 2000) Burns finally made the title his in 2001 following a strong second half of the season including victory on the Rally of New Zealand. Now a Peugeot driver, Burns will be out to claim a second successive title in the 206WRC car. Peugeot won the WRC driver's title with Marcus Gronholm in 2000 and won the manufacturer's title in 2000 and 2001.

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