AMD has been appointed as the 'Official Technology Partner' of the FIA and will provide technology expertise and resources across the range of activities undertaken by the FIA in the automotive and motor sport sectors.

The announcement follows the successful FIA/AMD Formula One Survey, the largest international market research study undertaken in motor sport (*). The survey formed part of the FIA consultation on regulations for the 2008 Formula One World Championship, a process which is now reaching its conclusion.

The survey findings included:

94% of fans want more overtaking

88% of fans say showcasing the skills of the drivers is the most essential aspect of Formula One

80% of fans agree advanced technology sets F1 apart from other motor sports

74% of fans want more emphasis on driver skill and less on driver aids

64% of fans look forward to the technical innovations each season

In light of these findings, along with discussions it has had with various Formula One stakeholders, the FIA is now revising the first draft of the 2008 Formula One Technical Regulations and a further draft will be prepared for late September for submission to the next meeting of the FIA World Motor Sport Council in October.

The first joint initiative for which AMD will provide technological expertise and cutting edge equipment will focus on aerodynamics. The FIA feels confident that the results of this research, which will use one of the world's most powerful computers to run complex computational fluid dynamics models, will help to produce aerodynamic regulations to allow much closer racing and more overtaking.

Max Mosley, FIA President said,

"In the automotive world the potential for intelligent transport systems is almost unlimited and eventually technology will help to solve many of the major problems of congestion and safety. Technology is also playing an increasingly important role in motor sport. The only way that the FIA can stay at the forefront of these issues is to have access to cutting-edge technology and leading expertise in the electronics and information technology fields.

"AMD is clearly at the leading-edge of technology and very well positioned to provide the type of support we need to be successful. We look forward to working directly with AMD's Henri Richard as he takes on the new the role of “Technology Special Advisor to the FIA.”

Henri Richard, Executive Vice President and Chief Sales and Marketing Officer said,

"Our technology alliance with the FIA demonstrates AMD's commitment to helping the world's leading organizations take advantage of the phenomenal impact of technology in new and creative ways. We are excited to be working with the FIA to help lead the automotive world and improve motor sport through this unique relationship."