AkzoNobel has extended its official supplier partnership with McLaren Racing. The announcement came as McLaren-Honda geared up for this weekend's Australian GP, where the MP4-30 showcased AkzoNobel's superior high-gloss finishes.

The two companies have been working closely together since 2008 when, via its Sikkens brand, AkzoNobel first became official supplier of paint solutions to McLaren Racing, an arrangement that was later extended to McLaren Automotive.

AkzoNobel has used its relationship with McLaren to develop its extreme environment technology and use lessons learned in Formula 1 to drive innovations in other industries.

McLaren Racing says it has been able to field cars that have consistently created a stunning visual impact while also enjoying direct performance gains from the small, but crucial, weight savings that AkzoNobel's technology has been able to provide.

Jonathan Neale, Chief Operating Officer and Acting CEO, McLaren Racing, commented: "We are delighted to extend our successful relationship with AkzoNobel. F1 is a very visual sport, and since 2008 we have worked together to develop the distinctive finishes seen on our cars.

"A shared passion for excellence has allowed us to pursue technical innovations, such as saving priceless weight and improving production times via a faster curing process for painted bodywork parts. At the same time, we have significantly reduced the carbon footprint of our paintshop by reducing both the energy and emissions of the process.

"With AkzoNobel's support, we will continue to pursue innovation in this area".