Williams bring F1 to Qatar

Williams F1 car will soon be seen at Qatar’s Losail circuit

Formula 1 will come to Qatar for the first time this month when the Williams team brings its F1 car and drivers Rubens Barrichello and Nico Hulkenberg to the Losail International Circuit.

The team will use the Qatari circuit from December 7 to 10 for its annual film shoot for use in promotional material created by the team’s sponsors.

It will be the first time an F1 car has run on the circuit, which is currently best known for hosting a round of the MotoGP motorcycle world championship. The shoot will also mark the first time that Williams’ new drivers are seen in action together.

The move follows Williams’ decision to build a technology centre in Doha to try and commercialise some of the technology used in F1.

Nasser Khalifa Al-Attiyah (right, with Sir Frank Williams), the president of the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) said he was delighted to welcome the British team.

“Bringing Formula One – the pinnacle of motor racing – to Qatar is another significant milestone and one we welcome given Williams special relationship with our country.”

Williams team principal Sir Frank Williams said, “Following our recent investment in the Qatar Science & Technology Park, it was a logical decision to take the team to Losail and it will be a genuine privilege to be the first Formula One team to run at the track.

“Not only are the facilities and infrastructure excellent and the weather dependable for our filming activities, but we hope to expand our programme into educational and road safety initiatives with local schools, universities and public bodies in Qatar. We are most appreciative of the opportunity to strengthen our existing ties in the country and hopefully expand on the ways in which Formula One can make a meaningful contribution to civic life in Qatar.”

Rubens Barrichello said it was a great privilege to be among the first Formula 1 drivers to drive on a new track.

“Normally we do this collectively, as a sport at new venues, but at Losail it will be a very special and very personal experience to be the first Formula One team on track and it is something I very much look forward to.”

Nico Hulkenberg, who will make his F1 debut in 2010, added, “Qatar features strongly in my winter plans. Not only will Losail be the venue for our first real session as a team since the new driver line-up was announced, but once I have finished my work at the track, I will be undertaking an intensive winter training camp with my new human performance team using some of Qatar’s world class sports training facilities.”