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From the milliseconds that separate victory from defeat to the finely balanced and perfectly measured rhythm of a racing engine, in motorsport timing is everything. As the curtain falls on the 2015 Formula One season and the sport gears up for next year's challenge, the timing is right for Red Bull Racing to reveal that the team's 2016 F1 car will race with a power unit carrying the name of motorsport's most iconic timing brand – TAG Heuer.
The new partnership, which represents a shift away from F1's conventional supply systems, will see TAG Heuer take up naming rights of the team's power unit, which will be supplied by Renault. The new car will be christened the Red Bull Racing-TAG Heuer RB12. Deepening the relationship between the team and the legendary timing house, which can call on more than half a century of heritage at the cutting edge of motorsport, TAG Heuer will become the Official Timekeeper, Official Watch Partner and Team Performance Partner of the Red Bull Racing team from 2016 in a multi-year partnership.
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Welcoming the new partnership, Christian Horner, Team Principal, Red Bull Racing, said: "TAG Heuer and Red Bull are two transcendent brands which have both a passion for racing and a drive to do things differently, and this unique collaboration is further evidence of that. TAG Heuer has been an icon in the world of Formula One for many years and we're delighted that they've chosen to continue their association with the sport by teaming up with us. Our shared values of innovation and a desire to stand out from the crowd make this one of the most exciting partnerships in F1. We are also pleased to see Renault confirm its long-term commitment to F1 and would like to thank them for their contribution to the team since 2007. Their technical partnership with Ilmor gives us confidence, and we look forward to the 2016 season."
Jean-Claude Biver, CEO of TAG Heuer and President of the LVMH Watch Division, added: "Formula One is deeply-rooted in TAG Heuer's DNA, and Red Bull Racing is a young, dynamic and driven team, which perfectly fits with our marketing strategy. It will give TAG Heuer great visibility and allow us to make our partnership exciting, different and innovative. Our motto #DontCrackUnderPressure will be the guiding principle behind all our actions with the support of the Red Bull Racing team and its highly contagious enthusiasm."
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Replies (5)
Login to replycalle.itw
Posts: 8,527
TAG or Renault named PU, it doesnt change that its a Renault unit which will get Renault upgrades. The PUs will be the exact same, as FIA rules forbid RB to put their own upgrades into the PU. This change is purely symbolic. But does this mean that Red Bull will lose their Infiniti sponsorship? And I dont think the hashtag is suitable for Red Bull, which clearly began to crack under pressure jut because they wasnt winning championships anymore.
boudy
Posts: 1,168
Not so sure that they can't apply their own updates. If its a TAG-Heuer engine than TAG-Heuer can apply the updates. I believe that RBR will be developing their engine. So it depends on who does the engine homogalition... I think
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
FIA formulated that as long as the engine itself is homologated as a Renault design, they are not allowed to differentiate the engine, even if it is branded otherwise. It'd be a different thing if RB build their own PU, but as long as Renault has homologated it (which they did in 2014), only they are allowed to present upgrades, and Red Bull has to decided if they want these or not.
khasmir
Posts: 893
I think it's safe to say it's not yet fully clear if this will be the exact same PU Renault will use themselves. I think it will have be considered as a different PU, even if it's the same one Renault uses. So not sure what rules will apply.
khasmir
Posts: 893
Ok, more recent reports suggest it will be the exact same PU as the factory Renault team.