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Vodafone and McLaren to split

Vodafone has been McLaren's title sponsor since 2007 © Getty Images

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Vodafone and McLaren have confirmed they will end their partnership in Formula One at the end of the year, with the team set to announce a new title sponsor in December.

Telecommunications giant Vodafone has been McLaren's title sponsor since 2007 after it left rivals Ferrari at the end of 2006. The Financial Times broke the news that the agreement will end this year and the team confirmed it in a press release.

"We're immensely proud that, having been set a number of ambitious challenges by Vodafone back in 2007, together we've met or exceeded each and every one," team principal Martin Whitmarsh said. "Our focus is on continuing to drive results for all our partners throughout the 2013 season and we look forward to making a major title partnership announcement towards the end of the year."

Vodafone Group chief commercial officer Morten Lundal said: "Vodafone and McLaren set ourselves highly ambitious goals in 2007. Over the past six years, we've set new standards in sports marketing together, and in doing so have achieved all of those objectives. We look forward to continuing to work together throughout the 2013 season."

Ever since Sergio Perez was announced as a race driver last year there have been rumours that Mexican telecommunications giant Telmex could back the team after its long standing relationship with the driver. However, the team will not make an announcement about its new sponsor until December 2, 2013.

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