AirAsia to sponsor 2012 Australian MotoGP

The deal also gives AirAsia the option to continue the sponsorship into 2013. As part of the recently signed deal with Dorna, AirAsia have also secured naming rights for the 2012 and 2013 Japanese MotoGP. AirAsia have been operating out of Australia for some time, but an additional Sydney service has recently been added, and services to and from Japan have commenced, which was the trigger for the sponsorship.

AirAsia CEO, Tony Fernandes, believes the title sponsorship of the Japanese and Australian Grands Prix will help to further strengthen its presence in two very important markets for the growing company.

"Our close relationship with MotoGP is further strengthened through the signing of this agreement," Fernandes said.
"Our airline believes in MotoGP because it allows us to expand our brand awareness and also helps us reach a young audience who are going to use our broad range of services. Our involvement in the MotoGP World Championship increases every year, as AirAsia has also been involved in the sponsorship of teams and riders, something which started in 2009 and continues to this day. This involvement demonstrates our belief in motorcycle racing, a thrilling sport with millions of fans around the world."

Australian Grand Prix Corporation Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Westacott, said the new alliance would help to deliver another world-class Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix to Victoria.

"We are delighted to be partnering with international airline AirAsia as the title sponsor of the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix. It couldn't be a better time to get involved with what is set to be yet another blockbuster event at Phillip Island."

The 2012 AirAsia Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix will take place at Phillip Island on October 26 - 28.

Image: motogp.com