Ashfords off to a winning start in link up with F1 feeder series

The firm has confirmed that it will be an official partner of the Telmex Arden International Team for the 2009 GP2 Championship - the hugely competitive feeder series for Formula One.

Telmex Arden's 2009 campaign got off to a winning start at Barcelona yesterday with Edoardo Mortara winning the GP2 Series sprint race.

As part of a contra deal with Telmex Arden, Ashfords' logo appeared on the Arden cars in Barcelona, and will continue to be displayed for the rest of the 2009 GP2 Series. The team wear, as well as the race overalls of drivers Sergio Perez and Edoardo Mortara, will also carry the Ashfords brand, as Arden and its drivers compete for the 2009 Championship title, which will be broadcast live on Setanta Sports.

Current F1 stars including World Champion Lewis Hamilton, Nico Rosberg and Timo Glock Nelson Piquet Jr all cut their teeth in GP2, along with highly rated ex-Arden drivers Heiki Kovalainen and Sebastien Buemi. The current Force India reserve driver Vitantonio Luizzi also won the 2004 F3000 Championship in an Arden car.

Ashfords involvement with a highly successful team like Arden in GP2 offered an outstanding opportunity for the law firm to promote its brand globally as well as its expertise in motorsport matters.

"We have worked closely with Telmex Arden International for many years and are delighted to have been approached to become an official partner to the team for the 2009 GP2 Championship. Ashfords has specialist knowledge of the motorsport industry and the firm's expertise in this area is reflected in Arden's decision to promote our involvement in their motorsport programme. We are absolutely delighted that Edoardo won yesterday's sprint race and wish the team and both drivers all the best for Monaco and what will hopefully continue to be a top of the podium season for them. "

Ashfords Motorsport Team is part of a dedicated sports practice, that is headed by Taunton based partner Rory Mac Neice. The firm handles all types of sports matters with recent work ranging from representing individuals and teams at disciplinary hearings and tribunals to handling complex technical disputes, negotiating sponsorship and management agreements and providing advice on IP related issues.

Arden International is one of the most successful teams in F3000 history, winning four F3000 Championships, and the team has participated in GP2 since the Championship was launched in 2005. GP2 has firmly established itself as the springboard into F1 for young drivers, with the series shadowing the European rounds of the Formula One Championship.