Shell wishes Schumacher luck in new career move

Today's breaking news of Michael Schumacher's return to the Formula One was the focus of the motoring media in the Middle East and North Africa, especially since his comeback will take place at the Bahrain F1 GP 2010 in Manama.

And as Michael Schumacher’s move to Mercedes GP Team was confirmed, Richard Bracewell, Shell’s Global Sponsorship Manager, one of the main sponsors and supporters of Schumi and his Ferrari F1 team, reflected upon the 14-year association with the seven-time Formula One champion:

“Michael has worked with Shell as a racing driver and subsequently as a global ambassador since 1996. He has assisted us in highlighting important developments in fuels and lubricants, as well as helping Shell to promote road safety in many countries around the world.

During his association with Shell, Michael has been the focal point of several of our key campaigns, helping to launch Shell V-Power; the fuel developed with Ferrari, also later becoming the face of Shell Helix Motor Oils and of Shell’s highly successful Ferrari model car promotion.

Most recently, Michael spearheaded a Shell-supported road safety campaign in the Middle East and Africa. We wish to thank Michael for a long-standing and successful partnership and wish him the best of luck as he moves into an exciting new chapter of his career.“

Michael Schumacher paused for 3 years after the 2006 F1 season, and is expected to receive 7 million Euros annually in the next 3 years with Mercedes Benz, with whom he started his professional racing career back in 1990 as a junior driver.

We at Auto Arabia appreciate and support the effort of Shell and Michael Schumacher in trying to promote Road Safety in the Middle East, although this campaign unfortunately did not prove to be very successful so far, due to the lack of both media and public awareness. We hope that Shell continues in promoting Road Safety in the Middle East and North Africa region, since the road fatalities in this region, and especially in Egypt, have the highest numbers world-wide.

MS