The Williams F1 team and the Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP) have inaugurated the Williams Technology Centre (WTC) - the first Formula One-related Technical Centre outside the sport's traditional heartland of Europe.

Williams confirmed that the WTC, which is expected to employ around 20 staff, will have a double-digit million dollar research and development budget, jointly funded by QSTP and Williams F1. QSTP's branding will appear on the team's cars at the inaugural Abu Dhabi Grand Prix this weekend.

"QSTP has achieved much since 2007, whether judged by the success of its robotic surgery centre or by the quality of R&D investment from the international business community or the association with prestigious research universities," said Dr Tidu Maini, executive chairman of QSTP. "This latest collaboration with Williams F1 presents technically inspiring possibilities rooted in a solid commercial context.

"QSTP is focused on delivering the capacity building programmes, built for young Qataris and new Qatari owned companies founded on technology and the success of technologies such as the MLC flywheel is something we are very keen to support and promote at QSTP. We are delighted to be entering into this partnership."

• New partnerships for Williams F1 team
• Williams F1 sponsor signs major US soccer partnership

Frank Williams, the owner of Williams F1, added: "It is perhaps outside of conventional practice for a Formula One team to move such activities out of Europe, but we have been very impressed with the fertile environment QSTP presents for research and development and the vision Her Highness Sheikha Mozah has for Qatar leading in the development of beneficial technologies.

"After detailed consideration, we have decided that this is an opportunity we cannot afford to miss, and we look forward to supporting the future of Williams F1 in part from the development and application of Formula One-inspired technologies to the wider world."