McLaren hit the Johnnie Walkers.

McLaren-Mercedes has finally confirmed what has long been rumoured, namely that it will enter into a long-term agreement with Johnnie Walker, the 'world's number one Scotch whisky', in 2005.

The famous brand and 'striding man' logo will appear prominently on the side of the engine cover of the MP4-20 cars for the first time at the Turkish Grand Prix on 21 August.

"McLaren is supported by highly-valued, long-term partnerships with some of the world's most distinguished brand names, and we're delighted to welcome Johnnie Walker to join this group," said team boss Ron Dennis.

"Working with Johnnie Walker and our other partners, we will enter the 2005 season with a new car, two competent drivers and aim to pose a strong challenge. It's a great time for Johnnie Walker to join us and the whole of McLaren-Mercedes welcomes them. We look forward to winning together."

Johnnie Walker branding will also appear on the overalls of drivers Kimi Raikkonen, Juan Pablo Montoya, Alex Wurz and Pedro de la Rosa, as well as on the uniforms of McLaren Mercedes personnel.

"When we looked at Formula One, the choice to partner McLaren-Mercedes was an easy one to make," said Charles Allen, the marketing director for Johnnie Walker.

"They are an extremely professionally-run team, with great ambition and have, in our view, the most exciting and eye-catching driver line-up in Grand Prix racing - Raikkonen and Montoya.

"We believe that this sponsorship will help us take Johnnie Walker to a new level in terms of its attractiveness to consumers around the world. I think our investment is also a vote of confidence in the future of Scotch whisky. Johnnie Walker is the first Scotch whisky brand to enter Formula One, and I believe that is important for the long-term recognition and health of the category."

In addition to its annual sponsorship and marketing investment, the brand will also spend ?2million every year directly on 'responsible drinking programmes' in grand prix markets.

"Our branding on McLaren-Mercedes' 2005 season car will be executed with discretion," added Allen. "Johnnie Walker is recognised in nearly 200 markets. We want to explore more opportunities to engage and motivate the 25-35 year-old consumers who are critical to both Johnnie Walker and Formula One.

"At the same time, we will use the sponsorship to communicate individual choice and what we believe responsible drinking is really about. We will do this through advertising themed on responsible drinking which will be capable of working around the world."

The idea of promoting 'responsible drinking' is something that Mercedes is especially keen to support.

"Diageo's plan to use their involvement with Johnnie Walker as a platform for responsible drinking messages will be strongly supported by us as it is an important aspect of our partnership," stated vice-president Norbert Haug.

Johnnie Walker branding will replace that of West cigarettes, which is pulling out of F1 due to new anti-tobacco legislation, which comes into force at the end of July.