McLaren drivers debut with AT&T

2005 WEST McLAREN MERCEDES DRIVERS MAKE JOINT TEST DEBUT WITH AT&T

As West McLaren Mercedes drivers Kimi Raikkonen and Juan Pablo Montoya began testing together for the first time at the Jerez circuit in Spain earlier today, the occasion was marked with global communications provider AT&T's branding appearing on both drivers' overalls and Formula One cars for the first time.

AT&T, one of the world's leading integrated voice and data communications companies, has joined the Formula One racing team as the exclusive Corporate Partner for voice and data networking services. Under a multi-year agreement with West McLaren Mercedes, AT&T will provide its advanced range of communications solutions to the team on a global basis.

The AT&T Global Network (AGN) will connect the team's headquarters in Woking, UK, with other significant locations in the UK and Europe, including Mercedes-Benz in Stuttgart, Germany, and the engine manufacturing facility at Mercedes-Ilmor in Brixworth, UK.

AT&T will also support connectivity at Formula One Grand Prix race locations around the world for the team, managing data communications during race events and at Formula One testing sessions, such as the one taking place in Jerez for the rest of this week.

Advanced communications technology is critical to the success of a Formula One racing team, and AT&T's portfolio of services will ensure that West McLaren Mercedes can leverage the most advanced Internet Protocol (IP) technologies available on a worldwide basis and optimise the performance of its data network.

AT&T technology will ensure that the vast amounts of data generated during racing, practice and test sessions can be accessed by the team's technical and research and development staff in real time from anywhere in the world, allowing the team to optimize performance of their cars. AT&T will also support innovative Voice over IP (VoIP) communications for the team and Internet connectivity to the team trackside facilities.

"Formula One racing is in a league of its own as a prestigious global sports event," said AT&T Chief Marketing Officer Kathleen Flaherty. "I can't think of a better way than through this Partnership to complement AT&T's global brand and showcase our leading-edge technology."

Ron Dennis, Chairman and CEO of the McLaren Group commented that: "In welcoming an organisation of the stature of AT&T into our Partner portfolio, we are demonstrating a resounding level of confidence in the West McLaren Mercedes team and our sport of Formula One. At West McLaren Mercedes, we strive for innovation, technological excellence and quality, values that have seen AT&T push boundaries and pioneer at the very leading edge of new technologies for over 125 years. We are proud to have established our Partnership with such an organisation."

Norbert Haug, Vice-President, Mercedes-Benz Motorsport said that: "In these quite challenging economical times it is a good signal for Formula One in general and especially for our team that a prestigious company like AT&T commits itself to our sport and to West McLaren Mercedes. We are looking forward to the new co-operation, which we believe will be a very productive one."

As a Partner of West McLaren Mercedes, AT&T's branding will appear on both the Formula One car as well as drivers Kimi Raikkonen and Juan Pablo Montoya and on the pit crew clothing.

-mclaren-