The Pizza Company sponsors racing driver to highlight expansion

BANGKOK—The Pizza Company is sponsoring James Grunwell, driver for Team Meritus in the 7 racing series on the 2006 Formula BMW Asia circuit.

According to a news release, the sponsorship will highlight the chain's presence as a flagship brand in Asia-Pacific. It is the company's first motorsports sponsorship.

"James Grunwell is a talented young racing driver who is highly motivated and determined to realize his ambition," said William E. Heinecke, chairman of Minor International, which owns The Pizza Company. "All of these characteristics very much reflect The Pizza Company's ambition to grow as a leading international brand in Asia-Pacific. To tie the brand with motorsports will help achieve our key strategic endeavor to expand The Pizza Company franchises in overseas markets."

Formula BMW Asia is the world's leading entry-level class in Formula racing. The 2006 series will be held in five countries in Asia, Malaysia, China (Beijing and Shanghai), Indonesia, Taiwan and Thailand.

The Pizza Company has 150 outlets in Thailand, 12 stores in the Middle East, five in China and two in Southeast Asia. It plans to open 50 new restaurants in the Asia Pacific region this year.