Team NZ sponsor jumps ship for rival
Italian Challenger of Record Luna Rossa have snared one of Emirates Team New Zealand’s major sponsors.
Italian tyre manufacturer Pirelli, who came on board with Team New Zealand on the eve of last year’s America’s Cup in Bermuda, will now co-sponsor Luna Rossa alongside luxury fashion house Prada.
The multinational tyre company are the tyre supplier for Formula 1 and have been sponsoring sport since 1907.
Luna Rossa Challenge chairman Patrizio Bertelli described Pirelli as an ideal partner.
“With over half a century’s experience at the highest levels of high technology world sports, it will be an important asset at the heart of our project,” Bertelli said.
“In this sense, it is correct to speak of a real and true collaboration between the team and Pirelli.”
Pirelli chief executive Marco Tronchetti Provera said the Italian synergy made for a natural partnership and his company were keen to remain involved in the America’s Cup.
“Pirelli chose to be a part of this project because it represents both a sporting and technological challenge, able to bring Italy and the Pirelli brand to the attention of the entire world,” Provera said.
“The America’s Cup, as Formula 1 is to motorsport, is the most prestigious sailing competition, with a great history and tradition. It embodies values and is for a public of impassioned fans that perfectly match Pirelli’s.”
Luna Rossa confirmed the first two regattas of the America’s Cup World Series will take place in the Mediterranean next year, with a further three regattas to be held in Europe, the United States and Asia in 2020.
Auckland will then host the Christmas Cup before the Prada Cup series determines the challenger to take on Team New Zealand for the Auld Mug in March 2021.