The AT&T Williams team will be the first Formula 1 team to run in Qatar when they bring two Williams FW31s and 2010 season drivers Rubens Barrichello and Nico Hulkenberg to the Losail International Circuit.

The team will be in Qatar from December 7 to 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 5.38 km Losail International Circuit.

“We are delighted to welcome the AT&T Williams team to Losail in December,” said Nasser Khalifa Al-Attiyah, the president of the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation.

“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,” he added.

“Bringing Formula 1 - 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 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.”

AT&T Williams driver Rubens Barrichello said: “It is a great privilege to be among the first Formula One drivers to take to 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.”

Team-mate Nico Hulkenberg 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.” – TradeArabia News Service