Renault and the Gauteng region become partners

The Gauteng Provincial Government and ING Renault F1 Team announced today, January 22, 2008, their partnership aimed at promoting the Gauteng province as the heart of motorsport.

The Gauteng region is the main province of South Africa, which includes the cities of Johannesburg, Tshwane, and Ekurhuleni.

Building on the enthusiasm generated during the presence of the ING Renault F1 Team in Johannesburg last July for its Roadshow in the Sandton area, which at the time brought together nearly 80,000 people, the Gauteng Provincial Government hopes through this new partnership to build a solid platform to further increase its international reputation and generate more investments in the region.

The partnership between ING Renault F1 Team and the Gauteng Government, initially for a duration of one year, aims to promote the Gauteng Province on an international level, notably through a new Roadshow in the streets of Johannesburg, scheduled for July 27, 2008. This agreement also includes the implementation of a competition across the province, marking a significant first for the ING Renault F1 Team and South Africa, as it aims to offer the chance for one lucky winner to drive the 2007 single-seater of the Diamond team!

Already well-established in the region, Renault recently announced the production of the new Sandero in South Africa starting from 2009. This partnership will undoubtedly strengthen the brand’s presence in this important market.

Flavio Briatore, Managing Director of ING Renault F1 Team, commented on the announcement of this new agreement: « We are happy to welcome the Province of Gauteng among the team’s partners and are very excited about the synergies we will establish. South Africa is a very dynamic country and we are proud to contribute to its increased reputation and development. »

Paul Mashatile, Member of the Executive Council of the Department of Finance and Economic Affairs of the Gauteng Provincial Government, added: « This partnership between the Gauteng Provincial Government and ING Renault F1 Team aims to further highlight Gauteng’s interests as an ideal destination for investments, tourism, and to strengthen the region’s position as the heart of sports in Africa. »

This partnership will allow us to demonstrate our competitive advantages to a wider audience and strengthen our efforts in the automotive industry and related manufacturing sectors.

According to the ING Renault F1 team