Suzuki to back Figaro

Three deal signed for the unofficial singlehanded offshore racing world championship

Suzuki have signed up to be main sponsor of the Figaro's class' annual premier event, La Solitaire for the next three years, an event they have already supported since 2006. Suzuki France and Groupe Le Figaro have signed a partnership deal until 2010. As a result the race will revert to its previous name, La Solitaire du Figaro, but will have a new logo featuring Suzuki.

Yukata Higashikubo, President of Suzuki France and Francis Morel, the General Manager for the Groupe Le Figaro, are pleased to announce this partnership that will be introduced for the 39th running of La Solitaire du Figaro next year.

“We are happy to associate our brand, Suzuki Automobiles, to such a prestigious and demanding event like La Solitaire du Figaro and to be able to contribute to this race that brings together the most remarkable of sailors," said Mr Higashikubo. "We are sure that this partnership with a race of such high competitive level will allow us to develop the brand identity with the general public.”

Morel added: “Suzuki is a company that is growing at a great rate in France so we are particularly proud to have chosen La Solitaire du Figaro to further build the image. The Groupe Le Figaro carries the brand’s partnership with pride and enthusiasm with the highlight being the 40th anniversary of the race in 2009."

The logo associating La Solitaire du Figaro and the main partner, Suzuki, will provide a new visual identity for the race.

The course route for the 2008 edition of La Solitaire du Figaro race will be announced on 29 November 2007. The next day the first skippers will be able to register their entry at La Solitaire stand at the Salon Nautique de Paris.