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Thales News Release

Williams Takes The Lead In Formula One With Thales Cyber Security Solutions

July 20, 2016

Thales, leader in critical information systems, cyber security and data protection, and Williams (ETR: WGF1), the leading Formula One team and advanced engineering company, have entered into a new technical partnership. As part of the agreement Thales will deliver state-of-the-art cyber security solutions for real-time global telemetry transmission to both WILLIAMS MARTINI RACING and Williams Advanced Engineering, the engineering services and technology division of Williams.

Thales cyber security solutions

Thales designs, develops and operates resilient and high-performance critical information systems supported by its 2,000 cyber security experts and world class data protection and digital trust management solutions, protecting mission critical data anywhere data resides. Cyber security, especially data protection, is of the utmost importance in the competitive world of Formula One.

The expertise brought by Thales will assist Williams in protecting its confidential high-value data. Thales Datacryptor 5000 delivers high speed data protection with state-of-the-art throughput enhancement and low latency to ensure high assurance, real-time global telemetry transmission from the pitlane back to Williams’ headquarters. Furthermore, with an increasing number of projects being undertaken for external customers through Williams Advanced Engineering, data protection and security has become a priority across the Williams Group.

Marc Darmon, Executive Vice-President, Secure Communication and Information Systems, Thales says:

“Thales is a world class cyber security expert and a globally recognised systems integrator, delivering safety and security critical systems in challenging environments such as Aerospace, Space, Defence, Finance, IT & Technology and Ground Transportation. This agreement builds on the already strong existing relationship between our two companies and our combined skills and expertise. It clearly illustrates Thales’s commitment to accompany its clients in their digital transformation where cyber security is a vital requirement.”

Claire Williams, Deputy Team Principal and Commercial Director, Williams says:

“Williams has undergone a significant digital transformation over the past two years. We are revolutionising our IT infrastructure to make sure that we are well placed to continue innovating. With the help of Thales, we will be introducing cyber security systems that keep our business critical data secure wherever we are in the world.”

About Williams

Williams is a leading Formula One team and advanced engineering company. Formed in 1977 by Sir Frank Williams and Sir Patrick Head, the company has secured 16 FIA Formula One World Championship titles since its foundation. The company'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 into the Grands Prix each season under the name WILLIAMS MARTINI RACING.

Williams Advanced Engineering is the division of Williams that harnesses Formula One derived technology, development pace and knowledge to deliver highly innovative products and services to the motorsport, automotive, aerospace, defence and energy sectors. Working in close collaboration, Williams Advanced Engineering helps its customers meet the sustainability challenges of the 21st century and improve their performance, market position and brand image.

Williams martini racing