Allianz inks multimillion-pound drone racing deal

Insurer will sponsor the ‘sport of the future’ to connect with consumers of fast-growing industry

Allianz inks multimillion-pound drone racing deal

Technology

By

Insurance powerhouse Allianz is sponsoring the Drone Racing League (DRL) in a deal reportedly worth around $10 million.
 
Allianz and DRL have signed a global multi-year partnership, which will make the company the title sponsor of the league’s race circuit. The deal would allow the insurer to connect with consumers of the fast-growing drone industry.

Learn more about drone insurance here.
 
The industry giant has not revealed the cost of the deal but sources told The Times that it was more than US$10 million.
 
“The pursuit of innovation and calculated risk taking are the reasons insurance was invented in the first place,” said Jean-Marc Pailhol, head of group market management and distribution at Allianz.

Want the latest insurance industry news first? Sign up for our completely free newsletter service now.
 
“Drones are already an important part of our business so we’re excited to align with DRL as they harness the latest technological advancements and reimagine what racing in the 21st century looks like.”
 
The Allianz World Championship 2017 series will consist of six races to be aired in over 75 countries starting in June. The races will push the skills of 16 top drone pilots who will be flying racing drones at over 150 kilometres per hour (90 miles per hour) through a series of race courses in iconic venues across Miami, New Orleans, Atlanta, Boston, Munich and London.
 
“This is an incredibly exciting day for The Drone Racing League and a huge leap forward for professional drone racing,” said DRL CEO and founder Nicholas Horbaczewski.
 
Horbaczewski said the deal with a global brand like Allianz is proof that drone racing, as the sport of the future, has arrived.

 

Related stories:
Transport Canada: Drone safety improving
From the road to the air, the evolving use of telematics

Keep up with the latest news and events

Join our mailing list, it’s free!