BMW WilliamsF1 link up with Xilinx.

The BMW WilliamsF1 Team today announced a new commercial association with Xilinx, the world's leading programmable logic supplier, as an official partner of the team for the 2003 season.

In addition, Xilinx will continue to provide its technology within the vehicle control module (VCM) to further enhance the performance of the BMW WilliamsF1 Team's 2003 race car, the FW25.

Xilinx' relationship with WilliamsF1 dates back to 1997, when Xilinx first started to provide its programmable logic devices (PLD) for use in the car. These devices gather data from the many sensors placed over the body of the car, monitoring the performance of the aerodynamics, engine, gearbox, tyres and wheels, etc.

The VCM transmits this sensor data back to the pit lane using a separate telemetry link, or the data is stored on board for subsequent download and analysis. Year on year the Xilinx technology has ensured that the VCM unit can be reduced in size, consequently reducing the weight of the car.

The 2003 race season will see the BMW Williams F1 Team car use a redesigned version of the VCM in order to reduce the size and weight of the unit, while increasing processing power output and enhancing its communications capability.

Starting this season, Xilinx will also be providing a package of products and support services to the BMW WilliamsF1 Team. These typically include training courses, on-site support, software and access to Xilinx IP.

At the announcement of the new partnership, BMW WilliamsF1 Team Principal Frank Williams said, "I am delighted that the team's relationship with an organisation of Xilinx' stature has moved a stage further than a long-standing and valued technical alliance. With a formal official partnership in place with a NASDAQ quoted company, I am confident of the benefits to the team and I am confident we can offer significant benefits in return."

"Xilinx is proud to be associated with the BMW WilliamsF1 Team. As we work more and more closely with the team's engineers, we are convinced that our technology will enable the BMW WilliamsF1 Team to achieve even better results," said Paul Cambridge, VP Europe at Xilinx. "We are now delighted to forge a stronger relationship with the BMW WilliamsF1 Team by way of an official partnership. This reflects the belief that our values align and our positioning is comparable as leading edge companies in our respective fields."