Vodafone will be title sponsor of the Portuguese A1GP meeting after agreeing a deal with the sport's governing body. The race, which will be known as the Vodafone A1GP Algarve, Portugal, takes place later this month.

Vodafone has a strong presence in the country, and is keen to expand its brand worldwide. The race will be only the second A1GP to take place in Portugal, and the first in the Algarve. The Portuguese team is challenging Switzerland, Ireland and the Netherlands fo the world championship.

"We are delighted to have Vodafone on board as the title sponsor for A1GP Algarve," said Pete da Silva, chief executive of A1GP World Cup of Motorsport. "They have a long association with motorsport sponsorship and their support for this event shows the commercial importance of the first ever A1GP Algarve in Portugal."

João Mendes Dias, head of brand of Vodafone Portugal, said: "The support of Vodafone to such a remarkable event like Vodafone A1GP Algarve, is in line with our long tradition of involvement with motorsport, namely with car racing and motorcycling. The strong connection of Vodafone with these sport categories, aims to reinforce the association to innovation, dynamism and continuous improvement, common values to both motorsport and Vodafone."