Petrobras back in Formula 1 with McLaren!

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McLaren has announced today that it has signed a technical partnership with Brazilian petroleum company and fuel supplier Petrobras which will begin in 2019.

The agreement provides for a technology partnership between the companies to develop high-performance fuel and lubricants, and the partnership may be extended to other strategic areas, such as the sharing of technologies between the parties.

"Brazil’s passion for Formula 1 is legendary and the country has produced some of the most iconic names in Formula 1 history," said McLaren executive Zak Brown.

"We are delighted to deepen our relationship with Brazilian F1 fans through our partnership with Petrobras, a flagship brand for the nation.

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"Petrobras is an ambitious organisation and we look forward to McLaren being an accelerator and enhancer in their brand-building efforts."

The Petrobras brand will be displayed on the team’s cars, uniforms and physical facilities.

"Partnerships are strategic for Petrobras," said the multinational company's CEO Pedro Parente.

"The technologies developed for Formula 1 will be transferred to the products we offer our customers, and being at the forefront of fuel and lubricant development is of value to our company, its shareholders and customers."

McLaren had signed a partnership with BP/Castrol at the outset of 2017, a deal which extends into this season before Petrobras takes over next year.

The Brazilian company previously enjoyed a long-term technical relationship with Williams, but it ended its involvement with the team 1 at the end of 2016.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.