Oh hi there Mobil!

There was a time when Grand Prix racing was a lucrative affair, with the bikes and their riders resembling the fag packets that sponsored them. However, two unfortunate and costly blows hit the paddock; the banning of tobacco advertising in 2005 followed by the global economic crisis. The off-shoot saw grid numbers drastically dwindle with staple teams, like Kenny Roberts' outfit, and manufacturers, Kawasaki and Suzuki, succumbing to the events and disappearing.

Well away from the doom and gloom, it is a pleasure to welcome Mobil to the paddock, as the oil giant has signed on to sponsor the JiR Moto2 team. For the 2012 season, the JiR Moto2 line-up will be all-new with former 125GP title contender Johann Zarco joined by Brazilian Grand Prix rookie Eric Granado.

Good news for the sport, which is also helped by the fact that the livery is classy with the black and white highlighted by gold striping.

So this is a call to you Mr Petroleum, Mr Telecoms giant, Mr Supermarket and so on, what's holding you back from coating the fairings of Grand Prix bikes?

By Robin Goodwin