The Russian GRM Group will sponsor the natural track World Cup ©FIL

Natural track Luge World Cup competitions will be sponsored for the next two winter seasons by the Russian GRM Group.

The construction company signed a deal with the International Luge Federation (FIL), which will also see them sponsor the 2017 Natural Track World Championships in Vatra Dornei, Romania.

As a result of the sponsorship World Cup competitions will officially be known as the “GRM Group Luge World Cup on Natural Track” until 2018.

The agreement between the FIL and the GRM Group was signed in Moscow, during an event arranged by the Russian Luge Federation (RLF).

FIL President Josef Fendt signed the agreement with Natalia Gart, the owner of the GRM Group and President of the Russian Luge Federation.

Russian Luge Federation President Natalia Gart has the controlling stake in the GRM Group ©FIL
Russian Luge Federation President Natalia Gart has the controlling stake in the GRM Group ©FIL

Gart assumed the controlling interest in the company when her husband Leonid died in June, following an accident in Croatia.

The firm built the artificially refrigerated track in Paramonovo, which is located near the capital Moscow.

The venue played host to the European Luge Championships in 2012, with the event held in Russia for the first time.

Gart would also succeed her husband as the President of the RLF, having been elected to the post on August 25.