Etihad Airways has extended its title sponsorship of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix until 2021 to become one of the longest title sponsors in F1 history, having secured the rights from the very first race in 2009.

– LIVE: Abu Dhabi GP – Qualifying
– F1 paddock has its say on title climax

The seven-year deal was finalised by James Hogan, Etihad Airways president and CEO, and F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone at the airline’s Innovation Centre in the capital.

Mr Hogan said: “We are delighted to extend our title sponsorship and to continue our association with an event which showcases the airline and our home of Abu Dhabi to a global audience of more than 500 million people.

“The F1 event is now firmly established as one of the major highlights of the calendar, with Yas Marina Circuit as one of the world’s most advanced sporting venues. We look forward to bringing hundreds of thousands of motorsport fans to the UAE’s capital over the next seven years and beyond."

Speaking on the new deal, Ecclestone said: “We are happy to extend our relationship with Etihad Airways, one of the world’s most innovative airlines, and an organisation which shares the same passion and commitment to cutting edge technology, team-work and precision engineering as we do in Formula 1.

“Etihad Airways has been one of the most forward-thinking Title Sponsors in Formula 1 history and to secure the airline’s extension of its Title Sponsorship is fantastic news for the sport and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix which has made such a huge impact on the F1 season.”