Emirates announces five-year deal with F1

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) - Emirates airlines has announced a five-year sponsorship deal with Formula One that will cover most of its races.

The deal announced Tuesday by Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone is an indication of the growing support for F1 racing in the oil-rich Gulf. The Dubai-based airline's sponsorship deal includes 15 races this season starting in Malaysia. Already from the region, Etihad airlines sponsors the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and Gulf Air sponsors the Bahrain race.

The deal is part of Emirates efforts to spread its reach globally and is just the latest sponsorship deal involving a major sport. It already is an official partner with FIFA and recently signed a five-year deal with the ATP which begins this year.