Abu Dhabi (U.A.E) - Wednesday, 03 September 2003 - Under the terms of an agreement signed today with Maurice Lacroix Singapore, the U.I.M. F1 Powerboat Racing Championship has a new sponsor. Starting September 1, 2003, the Maurice Lacroix Swiss timepieces will become the official timekeeper for the 2003 U.I.M F1 Powerboat race in Malaysia and Singapore. The sponsorship agreement will be extended to all F1 Powerboat races in Asia for the 2004 season.
Maurice Lacroix Swiss timepieces will be on display at The Palace of the Golden Horses in the Mines Resort near Kuala Lumpur to coincide with the U.I.M. Powerboat Racing Championship event in Malaysia that weekend (October 4 and 5) and later at the Oriental Hotel, official U.I.M. headquarters, when the Championship moves on to Singapore.
Nicolo di San Germano, promoter of the U.I.M. F1 Powerboat Racing Championship, said: "I am very happy to be able to work with people at Maurice Lacroix Singapore who share our passion for quality and precision. From a strong base in Singapore, the company is active internationally, so the U.I.M F1 Powerboat Racing Championship provides an ideal platform for international communication. The new technology associated with F1 powerboat racing is a particular challenge. I am sure that, in Maurice Lacroix, we have found a partner that meets our high expectations. I am particularly satisfied to see that this agreement provides for cooperation over several years not only for the Singapore event but also for the other legs of the Championship."
"It's my greatest honour especially for Maurice Lacroix to be an integral part of this major world class watersport event." said A. Daniel Niederer, Regional Managing Director of South East Asia of Maurice Lacroix. He added, "As a Swiss watch brand known for its utmost precision and flawless craftsmanship, Maurice Lacroix has always been keen to be associated with the epitome of excellence and the sponsorship of such a prestigious championship underlines our commitment. Given U.I.M. F1 Powerboat Racing Championship's 30 years of glorious racing experience and Maurice Lacroix constant quest for perfection, I'm sure this championship will be speeding towards greater heights."
The U.I.M F1 Powerboat Racing World Championship:
Inaugurated in 1981, the F1 Powerboat Racing World Championship is similar to F1 car racing and similar rules apply. Each race lasts approximately 45 minutes, following a circuit around a selected stretch of water (lake, river, or sheltered bay).
Qualifying periods decide the formation of the grid, and timing equipment records the performance of the competitors to decide the final classification and allocation of Championship points.
The UIM - Union Internationale Motonautique (International Powerboating Association) - based in Monaco is the sport's governing body.
The F1 Powerboat World Championship 2003 calendar consists of races in the following countries: Portugal, Finland, Italy, Germany, Malaysia, Singapore, Saudi Arabia and U.A.E. -- Abu Dhabi and Sharjah
Background of Maurice Lacroix Swiss Watches:
In 1961,the Desco von Schulthess AG. firm based in Switzerland began to produce private label watches for national and international customers.
1975 marked the creation of the Maurice Lacroix watch brand which went on to build a strong international identity. Building on marketing success in Switzerland, the brand expanded into Germany and Spain.
Today, Maurice Lacroix watches are sold all over the world, in over 4,000 shops in more than 45 countries. The watches are made in Switzerland, where Desco employs over 250 people.
For more information on Maurice Lacroix, please contact the Marketing Department:
S. A. Desco Singapore Pte Ltd
Tel: +65 6222 0322 Fax: +65 6222 0366
Email: janet.ow@desco-group.com
Website: www.mauricelacroix.com
