BMW spark a new deal with NGK

BMW Motorsport and NGK Spark Plug Co. Ltd. have extended their successful partnership in the motorsport arena. Under the terms of the new agreement - the world's No1 spark plug manufacturer will supply spark plugs to BMW teams in Formula One, the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) and, for the first time, also to the American Le Mans Series (ALMS).

As in the past three years, NGK Spark Plug Co. Ltd. is named "Official Supplier" to the BMW Sauber F1 Team and to BMW Team Germany that competes in the World Touring Car Championship. In addition to this, NGK Spark Plug now also supplies the BMW Rahal Letterman Racing Team as Official Supplier for the American Le Mans Series. The WTCC cars and the drivers' suits will prominently display the NGK logo to mark the cooperation.

"To BMW the engine components' quality is a key to the highest level of reliability", says BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen. "We were able to continuously raise the life cycle goals of our engines during the pre-season period. Our Official Supplier NGK contributed significantly to that."

"Motorsport not only requires high performing technology but also a strong team - and we are proud to be part of BMW Motorsport," says Norbert Neuhaus, Deputy Managing Director of NGK Spark Plug Europe.

"The fact that our spark plugs have contributed to so many successes proves that NGK Spark Plug Co. Ltd. is undoubtedly the innovation-leading manufacturer of spark plugs. Together with BMW, we are looking forward to the coming seasons and to many exciting races."

The close cooperation between BMW Motorsport and NGK Spark Plug Co. has enjoyed great success over the past three years with victories in the FIA World Touring Car Championship as well as in the FIA Formula One World Championship.