Sky's the limit for Etihad's Formula 1 sponsorship

The airline has started to place the artwork near the tail of its fleet of more than 40 aircraft, which will travel the world and is expected to have a significant impact to the global promotion of the UAE's showpiece sporting event taking place in Abu Dhabi in November.

Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways' chief commercial officer, said: "We are hugely proud to be supporting the inaugural Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix this November and adding further F1 branding to our aircraft is another important step in our close association with the event.

"By undertaking these promotional and branding opportunities it not only increases the international awareness of the race, and Etihad's title sponsorship of it, but it also places our home base of Abu Dhabi at the forefront of people's thinking as one of the world's rising sporting capitals."

To support the title sponsorship the airline has also painted two of its aircraft, an Airbus A320 and A340, with an iconic special F1 livery.

The specially painted planes are part of a marketing campaign that will intensify in the months leading up to the last race of the F1 season in Abu Dhabi.

Etihad's three year title sponsorship deal not only brings exclusive naming rights for the event but also a major trackside advertising package and podium branding for the Grand Prix itself which takes place at the iconic Yas Marina circuit on November 1.

And with the countdown to the event well and truly ticking, anticipation hit fever pitch last week following the announcement that tickets for the race had gone on sale. Fans have been desperate to ensure they are part of history, snapping up tickets and locking in the date to be trackside at the first ever race on Yas Marina circuit.

Tickets to the 2009 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix can be bought from the Etihad Holidays shops in Khalidiyah Mall, Wahda Mall and Marina Mall in Abu Dhabi, as well as at Marina Mall in Dubai and Bawadi Mall in Al Ain.