The Italian distillery company entered the world of racing in 1962 and, since then, the company has gained an iconic status around the world

In the world of motorsport racing, the Martini Racing Team is one of the biggest racing teams. However, much may not be aware that Martini Racing Team is/was never a company associated with automobiles. For the unversed souls, Martini Racing Team is part of an Italian distillery company by the name of Martini and Rossi. Decades ago, tobacco and alcohol companies could take part in motorsports racing and that is how Martini and Rossi entered the world of motorsports. In 1962, the company entered the world of motorsports for the first time and in 1968, the name Martini Racing was established. 

It is a firm/team which does not have its own cars and racing factories, but it sponsors other racing teams. Since the formation of the brand, several motorsport teams have raced under the banner of Martini Racing Team. From Lancia to Porsche and Tecno to Brabham, several motorsport teams have raced under the umbrella of the Martini Racing Team. As a tribute to the iconic racing house, here is a list of its top achievements so far. 

In 1970, Martini Racing Team sponsored an automobile brand for the first time. The team was Porsche and the racing event was the famous Le Mans. The first season was not much of a success, but in 1971, a Martini sponsored Porsche won the Le Mans. The model was a Porsche 917 K and its racing number was 22.

Martini Racing Team’s glorious period was from the 1980s to the 1990s. Those 10 years, the team sponsored Lancia, which was a major name in the World Rally Championship. Between 1983 and 1992, Lancia, sponsored by Martini Racing Team, won seven manufacturers’ titles. 

Back to Le Mans, the 1971 season was not the only title won by Porsche and Martini Racing Team. The two parties together won two more Le Mans titles during the 70s. In total, they racked up three titles. 

After tasting success with Lancia and Porsche, Martini Racing collaborated with Ford. The two teams together made an impact but sadly, could not pick up any title in four years of stay. 

Last but not least, Martini Racing Team also had F1 stints with several teams, such as Tecno, Brabham, Lotus and Williams. The company had a good time on the F1 grids, but the teams it sponsored never managed to win any title. Although starting on the F1 grid made Martini an iconic company.