Olympus has today announced a three year deal to sponsor the Ferrari F1 racing team. The Olympus logo will be prominently displayed on the nose of Ferrari F1 cars beginning with the 2003 Australian Gand Prix (March 9, 2003). "As a world leader in digital imaging and medical diagnostic equipment, Olympus sponsorship of the No. 1 team in the demanding field of F1 racing is a natural and fitting partnership. Just as speed, precision, and team spirit have earned Ferrari a position at the pinnacle of motor sports, they are also a driving force behind Olympus' success as a major global brand."

Press Release:

Olympus Signs 3-Year Sponsorship Agreement with Ferrari F1 Racing Team World Champions for 4 Consecutive Years

Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. (President: Tsuyoshi Kikukawa) is pleased to announce the signing of an official three-year sponsorship agreement with the Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro Formula One Racing Team.

Under the terms of the three-year contract, which begins in 2003 and extends through 2005, Olympus will become one of six official sponsors of the Ferrari team. As a result, the Olympus logo will be prominently displayed on the nose of Ferrari F1 racing cars beginning with the 2003 Australian Grand Prix, scheduled to be held on March 9, 2003 in Melbourne Australia.

Ferrari is the only team who competes in F1 World Championship since its origin in 1950 and holds the record of Drivers' World Championships (12), Constructors' World Championships (12) and number of Grands Prix won (159). Since welcoming Jean Todt as General Director in 1993, Scuderia Ferrari has maintained an impressive track record of success, culminating in seven World Championships won in the last four years (three Drivers' titles with Michael Schumacher and four Constructors'). In 2002, drivers Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello together won 15 out of the year's 17 events.

As a world leader in digital imaging and medical diagnostic equipment, Olympus sponsorship of the No. 1 team in the demanding field of F1 racing is a natural and fitting partnership. Just as speed, precision, and team spirit have earned Ferrari a position at the pinnacle of motor sports, they are also a driving force behind Olympus' success as a major global brand.

2003 Ferrari Drivers

Michael Schumacher
Born January 3, 1969 in Huerth-Hermuelheim, Germany.
First place in drivers ranking in 2002 with 144 points. Made his F1 debut at the Belgian GP in 1991, winning his first world championship in 1994. Five-time World Champion: 1994, 1995, 2000, 2001 and 2002.

Rubens Barrichello
Born May 23, 1972 in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Second place in 2002 driver's rankings with 77 points. Made his F1 debut in 1993, and after driving for both Jordan and Stewart, joined the Ferrari team in 2000.

Ferrari Rankings 1998-2002

2003 F1 Racing Schedule