LONDON Vodafone, the British mobile phone giant, is to sponsor the Ferrari Formula One motor racing team of world champion Michael Schumacher in a three-year deal from the start of next year's championship.

A Vodafone spokesman would not reveal how much the deal was worth, Reuters said.

But the deal is another major branding coup for the Telecoms group, which last year secured shirt sponsorship of English soccer champions Manchester United for 30 million pounds ($42.64 million) over four years.

Vodafone's Logo will emblazon the nose, sideboard and front wing of Ferrari's red cars, and will also appear on the drivers' overalls and helmets.

"We are the world's leading mobile Telecoms company and it is our objective for Vodafone to be recognized as one of the world's leading brands," said Chief Executive Chris Gent in a statement.

"I am confident the sponsorship of Ferrari, with the immensely valuable media coverage that Formula One attracts, will help us toward achieving this ambition," he said.

Formula One attracts a global television audience of 360 million people for each race, Vodafone said.

Schumacher, who this week extended his contract with Ferrari until the end of the 2004 season, will be hoping to retain his leading spot in this year's championship at the Monaco Grand Prix this weekend.