TOTAL ANNOUNCE TITLE SPONSORSHIP AT 2005 MANX INTERNATIONAL RALLY

TOTAL ISLE OF MAN LTD, a subsidiary of the country’s fourth largest energy company, TOTAL UK, is delighted to announce it will be title sponsor at the forthcoming 2005 Manx International Rally, set to take place from Thursday 28th until Saturday 30th July.

The Manx International Rally, an established event in the Isle of Man’s motorsport calendar and currently in its 42nd year, is described as ‘the most spectacular tarmac rally in Europe’. It also serves as a qualifying round for both the British and Irish Rally Champsionships and the West Euro Cup.

TOTAL ISLE OF MAN has supported the event for several years but is delighted to step up its commitment for 2005.

John Ryder, General Manager at TOTAL ISLE OF MAN explained: “The name TOTAL has long been synonymous with motorsport and rallying in particular.  This combined with the fact that TOTAL has been supplying residents with fuel since 1989, meant the event provided us with a perfect opportunity to give something back to the local community in which we serve. An opportunity, which quite frankly, we couldn’t miss.”

John continued: “Furthermore, the Island presents a fantastic backdrop against which the elite drivers of the British Rally Championship can demonstrate their skills.”

Richard Bargery, Event Director at Manx International Rally said: “With the event just a few weeks away, we are delighted to welcome on board such a high profile sponsor. TOTAL is a respected brand in the world of fuel and motorsport. Its expertise in these areas will undoubtedly further strengthen the event’s status, both at home and abroad”.

The Manx International Rally was recently awarded the prestigious “Rally of the Year” title by the British Rally Championship.

John concluded: “TOTAL UK and TOTAL ISLE OF MAN, including our team of 70 employees, are both thrilled and proud that the Isle’s most prestigious rally will be branded, the 2005 Manx International Rally, sponsored by TOTAL.”