F1 sponsorship going… going…

Global - Online auction company eBay has teamed up with the Spyker Formula One team to offer up Formula One motor sponsorship opportunities to bidders, marking the first time team sponsorship spots are being sold through auction.

The auction will last through to 16 April and short and long term brand visibility is being offered - eBay will facilitate the auction and positions up for sponsorship include the front of the car, drivers racing suits, racing pit walls, the team website and all official team communication, amongst others. There will also be pre-race publicity and visibility before, during and after every race as well as hospitality packages available.

"We're expecting some corporate interest, but we also think that this is a unique opportunity for all those eccentrics and philanthropists out there, who want to propose marriage in-style, support their chosen charity or highlight just causes,'' Bas Verhart, CEO of cross media agency Media Republic said in a statement.