Williams takes the lead in Formula One with Thales cybersecurity solutions

Thales, leader in critical information systems, cybersecurity and data protection, and Williams (ETR: WGF1), a 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 cybersecurity 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 designs, develops and operates resilient and high-performance critical information systems supported by its 2,000 cybersecurity experts and world class data protection and digital trust management solutions, protecting mission critical data anywhere data resides. Cybersecurity, 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 cybersecurity expert and a globally recognised systems integrator, delivering safety and security critical systems in challenging environments such as Aerospace, Space, Ground Transportation, Defence, Finance and IT & Technology. 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 cybersecurity 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 cybersecurity 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 21^st century and improve their performance, market position and brand image.
 
 
 
About Thales
Thales is a global technology leader for the Aerospace, Transport, Defence and Security markets. With 62,000 employees in 56 countries, Thales reported sales of €14 billion in 2015. With over 22,000 engineers and researchers, Thales has a unique capability to design and deploy equipment, systems and services to meet the most complex security requirements. Its exceptional international footprint allows it to work closely with its customers all over the world.
 
Positioned as a value-added systems integrator, equipment supplier and service provider, Thales is one of Europe’s leading players in the security market. Thales solutions secure the four key domains considered vital to modern societies: government, cities, critical infrastructure and cyberspace.
 
Drawing on its strong cryptographic capabilities, Thales is one of the world leaders in cybersecurity products and solutions for critical state and military infrastructures, satellite networks and industrial and financial companies. With a presence throughout the entire security chain, Thales offers a comprehensive range of services and solutions ranging from data protection and trust management, security consulting, intrusion detection and architecture design to system certification, development and through-life management of products and services, and security supervision with Security Operation Centres in France, the United Kingdom and The Netherlands.