Audi goes on board in America’s Cup

Ingolstadt - Audi will be on board when the United Internet Team Germany reaches for the crown in international sailing in the 2009 America’s Cup: Effective immediately, the company based in Ingolstadt supports the campaign of the newly formed team. The premium manufacturer’s commitment is visible at first glance: The four Audi rings are exclusively displayed on the spinnaker and – together with a brand logo of United Internet – on the main sail of the successor of “Germany I”.

“The America’s Cup is the world’s most well-known sailing regatta with the longest tradition. Accepting this great and fascinating challenge requires courage, a strong team and perfect technology. We are proud to be on board with the German team,” says Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of AUDI AG.

The 33rd edition of the America’s Cup in 2009 will again be staged in Valencia. Only for the second time in the competition’s 156-year-old history a German team will contest the regatta. The team managed to woo one of the most renowned international sailors away from the title defender: With immediate effect, Jochen Schümann, who led the Swiss “Alinghi” yacht to victory twice in a row, has assumed the position of Team Director to head the German team of world-class skipper Karol Jablonski and the over 20-strong crew.

Not only the crew but the partners of the campaign are high-calibre: In addition to the provider of the team’s name, United Internet, Porsche Consulting is involved in the ambitious project. For AUDI AG, the commitment in the America’s Cup represents the logical next step after the successful partnership with the TP52 Breitling MedCup that staged five regattas in the Mediterranean this year.

“Modern high-tech sailing is a dynamic, technical and attractive sport. That is why it perfectly fits the Audi brand. I am sure that due to the fact that the America’s Cup will again be staged in Europe the popularity of sailing will continue to increase here,” Ralph Weyler, Member of the Board of AUDI AG for Marketing and Sales, comments in support of the commitment.