Infiniti has signed a deal with the Red Bull Formula 1 racing team to sponsor the cars and team clothing for the 2011 and 2012 season.

Red Bull will continue to use Renault branded engines for the next two seasons, during which time Infiniti will work with Renault to forge a “future technical collaboration” with the team.

The deal will mean Red Bull get their engines provided for free and it will help to raise Infiniti’s profile across the world.

Renault has a 44.3% shareholding in Nissan, which in turn owns Infiniti.

The engines will remain branded as Renault for the next two years, but the French company is looking to reduce its presence in F1 as it raises Infiniti's profile in turn.

Andy Palmer, senior vice president Infiniti, said: “Over the mid-term, Infiniti will be simultaneously expanding its global presence and broadening its product range.

“Given these twin ambitions, it is clear that Formula One offers us an unrivalled global communications platform, complementing Infiniti’s ethos of Inspired Performance. We are excited to have the opportunity to enter Formula One together with a world-class team like Red Bull Racing Renault.”