Team US F1 has confirmed that Chad Hurley, co-founder and CEO of YouTube, has signed up on a multi-year arrangement as the organizations “primary investor”.

The press release said that Hurley, 33, will “provide visionary guidance and corporate strategy expertise” to the new-in-2010 outfit headed by Ken Anderson and Peter Windsor.  It was not explained if the deal involves sponsorship by the YouTube video-sharing website, whose relationship with Bernie Ecclestone’s Formula One Management has been a difficult one.  But Peter’s recent interview on SPEED TV indicated that YouTube will play a very intricate interactive role in promoting the team off the track.

“Getting in on the ground floor of a project of this size and scope is a tremendous opportunity, and I look forward to helping shape the US F1 vision and corporate strategy for years to come,” said Hurley.

Ken Anderson added: “Bringing in a businessman with his level of credentials, and experience in developing and fostering a vision for startup companies, is an honor, and we look forward to taking on the Formula One challenge together in 2010 and beyond.”

Peter Windsor said: “Chad’s commitment to this team is vital and his visionary expertise and leadership will help steer us into the future as we look to attract best-in-class sponsors, drivers, employees and fans in our quest to compete at the highest level of motor sports.”

This of course means that the Team US F1 livery will prominently feature the YouTube logo.  What are your thoughts on today’s announcement?

photo credit ©YouTube

Author: Jeff