Santander to switch from McLaren to Ferrari

Spanish bank Santander will become sponsor of the Scuderia Ferrari as of 2010 according to the bank's president. Emilio Botin, the bank's president, confirmed at a football meeting in Paraguay his bank will move from McLaren to Ferrari.

Santander joined the McLaren team as a major sponsor in 2007 when Fernando Alonso joined the Woking base team. Fernando Alonso and McLaren ended their partnership at the end of their first season though and it was impossible for the bank to end its contract early. The team signed a contract for three season that will come to an end at the end of the 2009 Formula 1 season.

"Santandar will become Ferrari's sponsor as of 2010, this is one thing that is certain," said Botin. According to Spanish media Santandar's sponsorship is another sign the Italian's are extremely interested to sign double world champion Fernando Alonso. Botin would love to see the Spaniard at Ferrari but remains realistic: "Alonso is the best driver in the world and we would love to work with him again. Unfortunately this is not our call though."
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