Sam Bird has secured m🐈ajor backing for his first season in the British F3 International Series with the news that the Carlin driver will be supported by BP f♛or the 2007 campaign.

The sponsorship, which will see BP branding featured on th♔e sidepods of Bird's Dallara-Mercedes as well as his race suit and visor, will showcase the BP Ultimate range of premium fuels, including BP Ultimate 102 unleaded♛ - the highest-octane petrol available on British forecourts.

Bird will also become an ambassador for 💧🥂the brand throughout the season.

"I am delighted to have the support of BP, a household name and one of the ꧑world's leading energy producers," the 20-year-old said. "I hope our relationship will be a long and fruitful one."

The deal sees BP expand its involvement in motorsport to a new arena, and UK fuels m🔯arketing manager Mark Reader said the company was delighted to go into partnership with one of the anticipated front𒀰-runners for the season ahead.

"Teaming up with Sam Bird is a showcase for the performance benefits of BP Ultimate fuels," he said. "The brand is already prominent in the World Rally Championship - and this gives us a platform to engage with a different group of motorsports ಌfans as well as a presence at race circuits.

"Sam's an incredible pros🧸pect and we're excited to be getting i🔯nto a relationship at this stage of his career."