Agencies/Grove, UK
Williams F1 announced a second collaborative programme in the Middle East with the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF).
The relationship will see Williams F1 assist the QMMF with the development of state motorsport through education and technology projects.
The alliance follows the launch of a long term partnership with Qatar’s Science and Technology Park to develop the Williams Technology Centre, announced ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix last weekend. The QMMF is the sole governing body for motor and motorcycling in Qatar, appointed by the FIA and the FIM to promote and organise national and international motor and motorcycle sport in the State of Qatar. As such, the QMMF is the only authority permitted to licence and authorise car and motorcycle sports in Qatar. The body also organises the major two- and four-wheeled motorsports events in the country.
Williams F1’s collaboration with the QMMF will see the team travel to the region’s capital of Doha later this year to conduct a series of events around the city itself and at the Losail International Circuit with the 2009 FW31.
Up to 30 members of the team will travel to Doha for the visit and impart their knowledge of motorsport technology and marketing skills to local Qatari media and students.
As AT&T Williams became the first Formula One team to fire up a car in Moscow in 2008, so the team’s visit to Doha will mark the inaugural visit of a Formula One car and its crew to Qatar.
On the partnership, Nasser Kahlifa al-Attiyah, President of the QMMF, said, “We are delighted to partner with Williams F1.
Having won 16 World Championships in just over 30 years, Williams F1 is one of the leading teams in Formula One with an unrivalled pedigree and heritage. To partner with this legendary team is a major boost for motorsport in Qatar.”
Frank Williams, Team Principal of the AT&T Williams team, returned to Doha after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to announce the collaboration with QMMF and, of the newly-formed partnership, commented, “Williams F1 hopes that, through our association with the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation, we will assist in the state’s development of its impressive motorsport ambitions. Today’s announcement further demonstrates the team’s commitment to Qatar and our contribution to Qatari education and technology.”
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