Ray-Ban and Honda extend partnership agreement

Ray-Ban is renewing its partnership with Honda Racing F1 Team for the 2006 F1 Championship. The partnership was officially announced for the first time at the French Grand Prix at Magny Cours on 2 July 2004.

For 2006, the distinctive Ray-Ban signature will continue to appear on the cockpit sides of the Honda Racing F1 Team's RA106 race car throughout the season, along with a new prominent position on the helmet visors of race drivers Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello, and third driver Anthony Davidson.

All the eyewear models in the Ray-Ban collection show the brand's careful attention to styling and design. For the 2006 season, Honda Racing F1 Team members will be wearing the Ray-Ban 4075 sunglasses model in the matte black 601 version from its new Spring and Summer 2006 sun collection, which have a sporty, wrap-around design which is well-suited to the F1 environment. RB 4075 is also available with polarised lenses that ensure complete protection and maximum visibility even in the most extreme light conditions.

Antonio Miyakawa, Executive Vice President Wholesale & Marketing of Luxottica Group, said: 'We are thrilled to announce that Ray-Ban has just renewed its partnership with the Honda Racing F1 Team for the 2006 season. Winners choose winners and Ray-Ban is a winner all the way as its history proves. Honda also has a tremendous winning pedigree in many different motorsports and is totally committed to rediscovering its winning ways in Formula One. We are looking forward to starting the new season together with our partners at Honda Racing F1 Team'.

Nick Fry, Chief Executive Officer of the Honda Racing F1 Team, commented: 'We are delighted to confirm the continuation of our partnership with Ray-Ban at the start of a very promising season for our team'.