Williams extends supplier portfolio

The BMW WilliamsF1 Team today announced that the Dräxlmaier Group and W.L. Gore & Associates will join the team as official suppliers for the 2005 Formula One season and beyond.

The Dräxlmaier Group, an existing supplier to BMW and already involved in the Formula BMW programme, develops and manufactures modern electrical systems, exclusive automotive interiors and Function-Integrated Systems (FIS).

Draxlmaier are one of the very few automotive suppliers which possess extensive expertise in the areas of auto electric, interiors and trim, tooling and logistics. The company, with headquarters in the Bavarian town of Vilsbiburg, employs more than 28,000 people in 42 locations across the world.

W.L. Gore & Associates started its relationship with the BMW WilliamsF1 Team as a promotional partner in 2004. As a validation of its commitment to the team, Gore has stepped up its involvement to official supplier status for the forthcoming season. W.L. Gore & Associates was founded in 1958 in the United States by Dr Wilbert L Gore.

Famous for its GORE-TEX® clothing, Gore offers high quality functional fabrics for every occasion from functional fashion and sportswear to work wear and professional wear.

Of the two new partnerships, BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen commented, "We are always pleased to welcome new partners to our team who have a premium approach just like ourselves. We already have existing relationships with both companies, with Dräxlmaier through the Formula BMW project and with Gore from its existing relationship with the team, and we are now looking forward to working with and developing both associations throughout the season."

-williams-