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F1: Bank of Moscow not really a new Renault F1 sponsor

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Khatir Soltani
From GMM

The logo of the Bank of Moscow will be featured on the Renault R30 cars this weekend in Abu Dhabi for the final race of the season.

The news would seem to be a further boost to Russian driver Vitaly Petrov's hopes of retaining his race seat with the Enstone based team in 2011.

The bank, with a red and black logo to feature on the nose and the turning vanes, is partially owned by the Russian capital as well as the energy company Mosenergo, oil companies Surgutneftegaz and Lukoil and investment banks Bear Stearns and Goldman Sachs.

But in fact, Renault does not have a new sponsor.

Due to the anti-alcohol advertising laws in Abu Dhabi, the branding of Renault's Russian sponsor Flagman is not allowed on the cars this weekend. Similarly, McLaren cannot advertise Johnnie Walker in tits cars, and the Force India cars cannot sport Whyte & Mackay.

The Bank of Moscow is Flagman's holding company.

Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
Automotive expert
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