Santander joins McLaren's Spanish acquisition.

Spanish financial institution Banco Santander has become the latest Iberian company lured to McLaren by Fernando Alonso's impending partnership with the team.

Following hot on the heels of Mutua Madrilenas, which was confirmed as a 2007 'partner' last week, Banco Santander has now been confirmed as another name on the car following Alonso's switch to McLaren as two-time world champion next season. Logos will appear on both car and driver, and will be unveiled as part of the team's 'new look' in Valencia next January, after team principal Ron Dennis and Santander executive vice-president Juan Manuel Cendoya signed a five-year deal today [Tuesday].

The deal is in line with the bank's aim of enhancing its international brand recognition, but is enhanced by Alonso's recent record, both on track, and in attracting fans to the sport. In Spain alone, the last race of the 2006 season attracted more than 8.6 million television viewers.

"In 2007, we will have a single brand which will identify us in the 40 countries where the bank is present," Cendoya noted, "A team like Vodafone McLaren Mercedes is an excellent platform for our brand globally. It is an international, innovative and modern team, as is our bank, which is a world financial leader."

The contract, which was signed in the bank's headquarters in Madrid, will enable Santander to put its various brands on the team's 2007 cars, on the drivers' and mechanics' overalls, as well as on helmets and other items, while Alonso and his 2007 mount will appear in marketing material for the bank. The Santander logo will be visible for the first time during the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team's pre-season presentation in Valencia, over 14-16 January.

"I am delighted to welcome Santander as a sponsor," Dennis concluded, "Having a brand like Santander, with excellent results and a great international presence, joining our sponsor line-up is a positive. Both companies are dynamic and have the ambition to continue growing and innovating. We hope this agreement will bring new successes in the future."