Formula One news

Williams opens Qatari technical centre

The Williams team has revealed that it is to open the research and development Williams Technology Centre in Qatar. The facility, which is a joint effort of Williams F1 and the Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP), has been set up with the objective to 'invest in, and propagate, a knowledge-based, post-carbon economy'.

With the Grove-located Williams expanding its basis in the Middle East, the facility will incorporate global brands such as Shell, Microsoft and GE with initial tasks being to progress towards two commercial goals; the development of a Magnetically Loaded Composite (MLC) flywheel plus improvements to Williams' F1 simulator, for both racing and road car industry development.

"It is perhaps outside of conventional practice for a Formula One team to move such activities out of Europe, but we have been very impressed with the fertile environment QSTP presents for research and development and the vision Her Highness Sheikha Mozah has for Qatar leading in the development of beneficial technologies," explained Williams co-owner Sir Frank Williams of the partnership which will be indicated on the cars of Nico Rosberg and Kazuki Nakajima in Abu Dhabi this weekend.

Sir Frank Williams, co-owner of Williams F1

"After detailed consideration, we have decided that this is an opportunity we cannot afford to miss and we look forward to supporting the future of Williams F1 in part from the development and application of Formula One-inspired technologies to the wider world."

"QSTP has achieved much since 2007, whether judged by the success of its robotic surgery centre or by the quality of R&D investment from the international business community or the association with prestigious research universities," added Dr. Tidu Maini, Executive Chairman of QSTP.

"This latest collaboration with Williams F1 presents technically inspiring possibilities rooted in a solid commercial context. QSTP is focused on delivering the capacity building programmes, built for young Qataris and new Qatari-owned companies founded on technology and the success of technologies such as the MLC flywheel is something we are very keen to support and promote at QSTP. We are delighted to be entering into this partnership."

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