WILLIAMS F1 AND TRL SIGN SIMULATOR TRAINING MoU

WILLIAMS F1 Doha, Qatar, Sunday, 20 November, 2011 Williams F1 and TRL (the UK Transport Research Laboratory) have signed a memorandum of understanding to cooperate on research regarding the application of advanced simulator-based vehicle training technologies. This will help to improve road safety, reduce vehicle emissions and increase passenger comfort and safety.

The cooperation will be led by the Williams Technology Centre, Qatar (WTCQ) and TRL’s Qatar Centre, both of which are located in the Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP). TRL is a global transportation research and consultancy company with internationally-recognized centers of excellence providing world-class research, consultancy, testing and certification for all aspects of transport. The company has more than seventy five years’ experience in its field and has notable expertise in the use of simulator technology to carry out research into driving behaviors and for conducting advanced driver training. TRL Ltd has a QSTP-Branch and is currently developing innovative road transport processes and technologies to help realize Qatar’s vision of economic growth. The MoU between Williams F1 and TRL will see the two companies collaborate on joint research, marketing and business development initiatives and use Williams F1’s simulator technology to help improve road safety, fuel efficiency and other aspects of driver behavior in Qatar and internationally. Pioneered over the last decade for the advanced training of the world’s leading racing drivers, Williams F1’s simulator technology is now being developed for applications beyond the racetrack and, at the WTCQ, allows high-fidelity, advanced training to be conducted in a controlled environment. Using this approach has the benefit of “repetitiveness” to enable assessment and skills improvement to develop consistently. The partnership will use this technology to research, develop and validate driver training tools and the standards that govern the use of simulator technology for regular, commercial and emergency vehicles. On the importance of this initiative, Sue Sharland, TRL Chief Executive, commented, “This collaboration with Williams F1 presents a tremendous opportunity to make major advances in the application of simulator technologies for training. We are committed to delivering exciting and fresh innovation here in Qatar.” Alex Burns Williams F1 “TRL is globally respected in the field of transportation. Working with them through our respective centers in QSTP to research and apply Williams F1’s advanced simulator technologies beyond motorsport represents an excellent strategic fit. ” Dr. Tidu Maini, Executive Chairman for QSTP “This cooperation between Williams F1 and TRL is a good example of the rich environment for collaborative applied research provided by QSTP. It is very encouraging to see our clients work together to develop new initiatives based on common interests.” About Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) TRL is the UK’s leading transport research laboratory, generating and applying science, knowledge and understanding to develop innovative solutions for customers around the world. Commercially independent, TRL works with organizations from the public and private sectors on all aspects of transportation. Key areas of work include traffic management, planning and control; road, network and vehicle safety; product testing and certification; investigations and risk management; infrastructure capabilities in pavements, structures and geotechnics; sustainable mobility; rail; low carbon vehicles; environmental consultancy and assessment, covering climate adaptation and mitigation, noise and air quality monitoring. TRL’s advanced simulation facilities include DigiCar and DigiTruck “both are high fidelity simulators that form part of a world-leading driving simulation centre, now known as DigiSim. Based at TRL’s headquarters in the UK DigiSim has an extensive array of technology designed to recreate and assess many of the tasks associated with driving. This is supported by a team of expert psychologists, who have extensive knowledge of simulation research and experimental design. Experience gained from operating these facilities in the UK will now be applied to the new advanced simulation work in Qatar. About Williams F1 Formed in 1977 by Frank Williams and Patrick Head, Williams F1’s core competencies are the design and manufacture of Formula One race cars, and the deployment of this expertise in running the team’s entries in each season’s Grand Prix. As one of the world’s leading Formula One teams, the company has secured 16 FIA Formula One World Championship titles in the past thirty years. Nine of these titles have been won in the Constructors’ Championship in association with Cosworth, Honda and Renault. The remaining seven titles are Drivers’ Championships, won with Alan Jones, Keke Rosberg, Nelson Piquet, Nigel Mansell, Alain Prost, Damon Hill and Jacques Villeneuve. AT&T Williams is one of the most vertically-integrated of Formula One teams with first-class design and manufacturing facilities on its 33 hectare site in Oxfordshire, England. Williams Grand Prix Engineering Limited aims to develop substantial revenues from exploiting its brand, intellectual property and rapid development skills in projects outside Formula One. For more information, please visit http://www.attwilliams.com About the Williams Technology Centre, Qatar In partnership with the Qatar Science & Technology Park, Williams F1 established the Williams Technology Centre, Qatar to develop and commercialize technologies that have their origins in F1. This is currently focused on two R&D projects. The first is the application of Williams’ advanced vehicle simulator technology to develop solutions for training & certification of regular, emergency and commercial drivers to improve road safety and fuel efficiency as well as other motorsports and entertainment. The second is development of high-power composite flywheel energy storage systems that improve the efficiency and reliability of rapid transportation and strengthen electricity grids to support increased renewable generation. About the Qatar Science & Technology Park Qatar Science & Technology Park is the national agency charged with executing applied research and delivering commercialized technologies in four themed areas, Energy, Environment, Health Sciences and Information & Communication Technologies. QSTP is located in Qatar Foundation’s Education City and has access to the resources of its cluster of leading research universities. In addition to QSTP’s centers, members include small companies, international corporations and research institutions, which have together committed to funding new ventures, creating intellectual property, enhancing technology management skills and developing innovative new products in line with the national vision. QSTP supports economic and human development in Qatar and has achieved recognition as an international hub for applied research, innovation and entrepreneurship.