A Formula One racing car will carry the logo of one of Derby's biggest companies.

Bombardier, which has its UK train manufacturing plant in Derby, has announced that it has signed a sponsorship agreement with Williams Martini Racing. The deal is not connected with Bombardier's train manufacturing operation - but has come about because of the firm's jet business.

The news comes after, last month, digger maker JCB, which has its engine-making plant at Foston, announced it had signed a partnership with Williams, which will see the firm's branding appear on the side of the team's cars, the driver's race suits and team kit.

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This season, Canadian rookie Lance Stroll will drive for Williams - and Bombardier, which is a Canadian-owned business, has decided to come on board to show its support for the driver. As part of the partnership agreement, Bombardier branding will appear on Stroll's race helmet and throughout the Williams team garage in the pit lane.

Peter Likoray, senior vice-president for sales and marketing at Bombardier Business Aircraft, said: "Bombardier is pleased to partner with Lance Stroll and the Williams team during the 2017 Formula One Grand Prix season. This partnership provides Bombardier Business Aircraft a unique opportunity to reach new customers on a global scale."

Claire Williams, deputy team principal at Williams, said: "We are delighted to welcome Bombardier as a partner for the 2017 season. Engineering excellence, innovation and sustainability are at the core of everything we do at Williams, and as one of the industry's leading manufacturers of world-class business jets, Bombardier share similar core values.

"They are leaders in their field and at Williams, we share a similar drive and determination to be the best. I look forward to a successful partnership going forward."

The Formula One 2017 World Championship is due to begin with the Australian Grand Prix taking place in Melbourne on March 26.

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