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Infiniti to sponsor Red Bull but no engine branding

Red Bull will carry Infiniti branding in 2011 © Sutton Images

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Japanese car manufacturer Infiniti has joined Red Bull as a major sponsor for the next two seasons, but will not re-badge the Renault engines used by the team.

The luxury car brand owned by the Renault-Nissan Group will join as a commercial and technical partner to boost its worldwide presence as well as working "with Renault to forge future technical collaboration with Red Bull Racing." Autosport reports that Inifiniti will use its Nissan-backed resources and expertise to help develop the car's battery-powered KERS.

"Over the mid-term, Infiniti will be simultaneously expanding its global presence and broadening its product range," Infiniti's senior vice president Andy Palmer said. "Given these twin ambitions, it is clear that Formula One offers us an unrivalled global communications platform, complementing Infiniti's ethos of Inspired Performance. We are excited to have the opportunity to enter Formula One together with a world-class team like Red Bull Racing Renault."

Red Bull boss Christian Horner added: "Red Bull has always taken a different approach, so when the Infiniti executives outlined their innovative plan to us we were very open to working with them. Coming off the back of our 2010 drivers' and constructors' world championships, we feel even more excited to be starting the 2011 season with a new and committed partner like Infiniti."

Although the deal lasts the same length as Renault's engine contract and will replace much of the French company's signage, Infiniti insists it does not amount to a rebranding of the V8. Instead it will involve prominent billing on the cars, drivers' overalls and team equipment, giving the Japanese brand greater exposure outside its main markets in the USA.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.