AT&T Williams Formula One team comes to Qatar next week 

(MENAFN - The Peninsula) The AT&T Williams team yesterday confirmed that they would be the first Formula One team to run in Qatar next week when they bring two Williams FW31s and 2010 season drivers Rubens Barrichello and Nico Hulkenberg to the Lusail International Circuit.

The team will be in Qatar from December 7 to December 10 for its annual collateral film shoot, generating high-quality video and stills photographic imagery which will take Qatar around the world in advertising and promotional materials created by the team's sponsors in the

next 12 months.

The shoot will be the first occasion when the team's two 2010 season race drivers are seen in action together and will also mark the first occasion for Formula One cars to run on the spectacular 5.38km Lusail International Circuit.

Nasser Khalifa Al Attiyah, the President of the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) said: "We are delighted to welcome the AT&T Williams team to Lusail in December. In the circuit's short but illustrious history, we have achieved many landmarks, including hosting the first night race for MotoGP in 2008 and have recently been awarded the International Road racing Team's Association Circuit of the Year. 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."

Sir Frank Williams, the AT&T Williams Team Principal said: "Following our recent investment in the Qatar Science & Technology Park, it was a logical decision to take the team to Lusail 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 also 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."