Boating brands have often drawn allusions to the high-tech world of Formula 1 to enhance their image, and now Ferretti Group is going one step further by officially sponsoring the Ferrari team for the 2016 season.

The all-Italian partnership will see the Riva logo emblazoned on the helmets worn by Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen as they drive the new Ferrari SF16-H racecar.

What?s more, the iconic boating brand will be used in trackside advertising during the 21-race series, which starts in Melbourne next week (March 18-20).

Alberto Galassi, CEO of Riva?s parent company Ferretti Group, said: ?We are truly proud to be writing a new chapter of Riva?s glorious history together with Ferrari, thereby renovating a collaboration that, in the past, led to true sea jewels.?

Back in the 1990s, Riva and Ferrari came together to produce a limited-edition run of 32ft open speedboats.

A grand total of 30 hulls were built and a well-kept example is due to go up for auction in Monte Carlo on May 14, with the bidding expected to reach at least ?135,000.