Santander and Ferrari

[John S]

If this report is true then the speculation about Nando switching to the Reds may also be true.

Speculation that the Spanish bank Santander is set to switch from McLaren to Ferrari got a fresh shot in the arm last weekend.

Photographed entering the famous Italian team's private building in Bahrain, for a 20 minute meeting with Luca di Montezemolo, was Santander boss Emilio Botin.

Spain's Marca sports newspaper reports that Botin also met with Fernando Alonso at the Sakhir track, as well as Bernie Ecclestone.   
 
Botin's meeting with Ecclestone explains the F1 Chief Executive's eye-wateringly bright red jacket on the grid of the Sakhir race: apparently it was a gift from the Santander chief.

E.A. © CAPSIS International

[Jericoke]

There's a joke in the USA that NASCAR fans will buy anything from the sponsors of their favourite drivers.

Is there the same appeal for F1 sponsors?

It's tough to say for me, since most F1 sponsors don't have products available in Canada!

[Willy]

Every time you turn around there is another rumour or someone going to Ferrari.

How many cars are they going to field next season?

Kimi will not stay there long unless they can give him a winning car very soon. And before long we will start to hear Massa start to whine.

[Scott]

There's a joke in the USA that NASCAR fans will buy anything from the sponsors of their favourite drivers.

I think we're mixing this up with the other thread about someone who likes Pontiac not being caught dead in a Chevy...was Cos just talking about NASCAR fans?   

[cosworth151]

The brand loyalty of NASCAR fans was legendary during the sports glory days.

http://www.jmu.edu/kinesiology/pdfs/NASCAR.pdf

was Cos just talking about NASCAR fans?

Even more so for NHRA fans. In both cases, I've seen fist fights break out between Chev & Pont fans.

It's long been accepted that one of the reasons that Richard Petty became the most popular drive in the history of the sport was that he did it driving a Plymouth. While Ford, Chevy & Pontiac fan would never, EVER cheer for someone driving one of the other two marques, they all thought Plymouth was OK as a "second string" pick.

[johnbull]

And before long we will start to hear Massa start to whine.

Why? Did he ever stop whining ?

[Steven Roy]

The Santander to Ferrari rumour is hardly new.  It was doing the rounds early last year.

[Jericoke]

Would Ferrari paint their car Santander Red like they did for Marlboro, or keep the scarlet?

[Willy]

I must agree with you johnbull, Massa has never stopped whining.

[lkjohnson1950]

Given that the Renault is currently about even with the Ferrari, why would Alonso switch? Does he have unlimited faith in their ability to produce? This is the first car that is a total departure from the Schumacher Days and they mucked it up pretty well.

Lonny

[Chameleon]

Is there the same appeal for F1 sponsors?

Good question.  Speaking personally, I would have to say that I have never been swayed in my purchasing by the fact that a product is advertised in F1.  That may not be true for all F1 fans, however.  It is just possible that large numbers have been moved to try Red Bull since their entrance to the game - although I only know this because of all the people I've heard say it tastes awful...

Otherwise, I think it is the same old advertising game as in any other sport - splash the name all over the place and you're bound to get the occasional hit.  It is more effective if the advertiser links their F1 sponsorship with a campaign in other media, as ING did.  The problem then is deciding how much of any increase in sales figures is due to F1 and how much to the other forms of advertising.

There does not seem to be the same linking of brand name with driver as exists in NASCAR, however.  Perhaps F1 fans are a bit more cynical and realise that their favourite driver doesn't really use Alavert or quake at the sight of escalators (current American TV ads).

[Scott]

I'm actually the opposite.  I avoid sponsors of teams I really don't like.  For example I will never buy a FIAT (or Chrysler now), get gas at Shell, smoke Marlboro or date a woman named Alice.   

[Chameleon]

I'm actually the opposite.  I avoid sponsors of teams I really don't like.  For example I will never buy a FIAT (or Chrysler now), get gas at Shell, smoke Marlboro or date a woman named Alice.   

Hah, there speaks a true Ferrari anti-fan!

But have FIAT bought Chrysler?  I knew they were thinking of it but haven't seen any decision announced.  Considering that just about every other car manufacturer has either owned Chrysler or been owned by it at one time or another, I suppose it's just FIAT's turn...

[cosworth151]

I feel the same way as Scotty. I've stopped going to Home Depot and NAPA. I've even given up on Little Debbies! 

[Chameleon]

.oO(Hmmm, I'm going to have to start watching NASCAR races to find out what products I mustn't buy...)