Spanish F1 team Hispania has signed a three year sponsorship deal with the Indian owned battery manufacturer Base.

F1 already has a strong following in the country, what with Force India, Narain Karthikeyan and Karun Chandhok, and later this year it hosts its inaugural Grand Prix, the 18th GP of the season. This would be the first time India would be hosting a F1 Grand Prix, the sport has a huge fan following in the country, and the world over.

"We are thrilled to continue our international sporting partnership, this time with the Formula 1 Hispania Racing Team and look forward to a successful season," said Mr.Aditya Arora, COO, Base Batteries, which previously associated itself with the Canadian World Cup cricket team. "This is a natural progression, ensuring exposure for Base Batteries on a global stage in one of the world's most prestigious sporting arenas, through its partnership with the Hispania Racing Team.

"As an official partner of the young F1 team," he continued, "we will use the sponsorship both for brand building in key regions as well as offer ongoing opportunities for our business partners to get involved in this exciting racing event".

"We're very happy to have reached an agreement with Base Batteries, one of the leading battery companies in India," said Jose Ramón Carabante (right), President of Hispania Racing. "They will be an official supplier. We are setting the base for the project we are still shaping out since last year. I am convinced that this deal will help us to keep growing, enabling us to evolve into a more competitive team which desires to accomplish its targets".

"For us India is one of the largest growing markets," said Colin Kolles. "By signing Narain, who is the number 1 Indian driver, we expected that Indian companies would support us. We are very proud to announce another Indian sponsor with Base who will help us to move the team forward."

"I am very pleased and proud that Base Batteries have become the official battery company of Hispania Racing," added Karthikeyan. "It is a matter of great pride for the Indian population that the most technologically advanced racing cars in the world are becoming increasing reliant on Indian know-how. I hope that this trend continues, and am looking forward to representing Base at the Indian Grand Prix in October this year. I am convinced this is just the beginning and welcome the many more Indian companies that will follow suit in becoming technology partners of Hispania Racing."

The three-year contract makes Base Batteries the "official Battery supplier" and the Base Batteries logo will be prominent on the racing car.