Rolex to Become Official Timekeeper of F1

World renowned haute horlogerie brand Rolex has been signed on as the official timekeeper of F1, the planet’s highest class of single-seater auto racing sanctioned by the Fédération  Internationale de l’ Automobile.  According to the Formula One website, the major timekeeping deal will be a long-term one.

Rolex CEO Gian Ricciardo Marini stated:  “This is an exciting step for us at Rolex as the fit between Formula One and our brand feels very natural and, like all great partnerships, needs little explanation.”

Until very recently, Korean electronics brand LG has been responsible for F1 timing with its logo featured around the circuits.

The luxury chronograph manufacture will be giving and displaying the time in different locations during each Grand Prix event, with the Rolex logo featuring prominently in various areas of the F1 circuits.

Timekeeping duties for Rolex will commence in 2013, and the watchmaker stated that their presence in F1 will continue to increase and grow over the course of the next few seasons.

Bernie Ecclestone, CEO and president of Formula One Management and Formula One Administration spoke of the mutually beneficial deal.

“Without question Rolex is the partner of choice for a world class sporting series like Formula 1.

“The brand’s prestige, the excellence of its watches as well as Rolex’s passionate and long-standing commitment to motor sports gives it true credibility.

“This partnership is something that many people interested in Formula 1 will have been waiting for and should rightly be excited about. Rolex has incredible sporting heritage and therefore Formula 1 is the right place for Rolex to be.”

Pictured above: Sir Jackie Stewart, Rolex Testimonee; Mr Gian Riccardo Marini, Chief Executive Officer of Rolex SA; Mr Bernie Ecclestone, CEO of the Formula One group; Mr Jean-Claude Killy, Rolex Testimonee and member of the Board of Directors of Rolex SA (from left to right). Story source: Motor Sport. Photo courtesy Formula 1.