Feb.2 (GMM) Santander will remain a sponsor of the McLaren team in 2011.

The Spanish bank's spokesman admitted last November that 2010 was a year of "transition" as the new major sponsorship with Ferrari began.

"Who knows if in the future we will keep on having a relationship with them (McLaren) and their drivers," he said.

But Santander announced on Wednesday that the deal has indeed been extended, with the logo to now appear on the helmets and overalls of drivers Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button.

"The relationship that we have built, initially with the McLaren team, and now its drivers, has been integral to creating and building the Santander brand in the UK," said Santander UK CEO Ana Botin.

Spaniard Ana Botin is Grupo Santander chairman Emilio Botin's daughter.

The McLaren/Santander sponsorship began in 2007.

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