Vodafone Group, the world's leading mobile telecommunications company, is to back Ferrari's assault on the FormulaOne world title starting in the 2002 season.

The three-year sponsorship deal is the largest in Vodafone's history.  It will involve significant branding on the sidepod, nose and front wing of the Ferraris. The Vodafone brand will also appear on the drivers' and pit crews' overalls andhelmets.

The agreement was revealed on Friday in Monaco, scene of Formula One's most prestigious Grand Prix.

"This is an exceptionally good deal for us," says Vodafone Chief Executive, Chris Gent "and will give us greatly enhanced brand exposure throughout the world."

"Vodafone believes in backing winners, and Ferrari is a valuable addition to our existing successful global sponsorships."

Ferrari Team Principal Jean Todt is looking forward to the new alliance. "To have Vodafone on board is a coup for us," he says. "It will give us a partnership with one of the world's top companies."

Vodafone has a customer base of 83 million people world-wide, spanning five continents and 29 countries. It has major plans to become one of the world's top brands. Formula One offers it high profile exposure in a sport that commands a world-wide television audience of 360 million people for each race.

"We are the world's leading mobile telecoms company and it is our objective for Vodafone to be recognised as one of the leading global brands." says Chris Gent. "I am confident that the sponsorship of Ferrari, with the immensely valuable media coverage that Formula One attracts, will help us towards achieving this ambition."

For further information contact:

Vodafone Group
Tim Brown, Group Corporate Affairs Director
Tel: +44 (0) 1635 673310

Mike Caldwell, Group Corporate Communications Director
Tel: +44 (0) 7836 208131