To celebrate Etihad Airways’ recently announced title sponsorship of next year’s inaugural FORMULA 1™ Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the airline has re-painted one of its aircraft in the livery of a racing car.

The new design on the A320 aircraft sees a break from Etihad’s corporate colours, with the plane being painted black with the image of a red FORMULA 1™ car together with the official race title logo on the rear and the FORMULA 1™ logo on the engines.

In the build-up to the 2009 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Etihad will fly the aircraft to several of its destinations across the Middle East and Levant ensuring millions of motor racing fans can see the iconic design and share in the excitement ahead of the UAE’s first ever FORMULA 1™ Grand Prix.

Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways’ executive vice president marketing and product said: “With preparations for the inaugural 2009 FORMULA 1™ Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix well underway we are delighted to raise awareness of the race through our own F1-themed aircraft.

“The F1 aircraft signals the beginning of a comprehensive programme of activities and promotions surrounding the Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix which will ensure the eyes of the world are on Abu Dhabi and the UAE.”

The seven-figure, three year, title sponsorship deal will see the Formula 1™ race in the UAE’s capital city named the “FORMULA 1™ Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix” until 2011.

It also provides Etihad with a major trackside advertising package and podium branding for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

As part of its FORMULA 1™ Abu Dhabi Grand Prix title sponsorship Etihad will offer its customers a series of all-inclusive packages that include flights, accommodation and Grand Prix tickets.

© Etihad