24/02/2014
NEWS STORY
Williams reveals that Susie Wolff will continue as its development driver for 2014 in an expanded role that will see her take part in two FP1 sessions this season.
Wolff joined Williams in April 2012 and played a "valuable" role in helping to develop the FW34, FW35, and the new FW36. In 2014 she will continue to work in the Williams simulator to help further develop the FW36.
Driving for Williams in two FP1 sessions this season will see Wolff become the first female driver to compete in a Formula One Grand Prix session in over two decades, and builds on her promising performance for Williams in last year's Young Drivers Test in Silverstone. Prior to joining Williams she spent seven seasons driving in DTM, and was twice nominated for the prestigious BRDC Young Driver of the Year Award.
"I'm grateful for the support and belief Williams continue to show in me and 2014 promises to be a very important milestone in my career," said Wolff. "My responsibilities within the team have steadily increased as I have proved myself, culminating in the opportunity to test the car at Silverstone and conduct straight line aero tests last season. Competing in two FP1 sessions, alongside an additional full test day this season will be a big step and I am looking forward to the opportunity to get behind the wheel of the FW36 on a Grand Prix weekend. It's a challenge that I will relish and it will be a great chance for me to continue assisting the team."
"Susie has become a valued member of our driver line up and 2014 will see her take on more responsibilities as we seek to make a strong step forward in performance," added Pat Symonds, the Grove outfit's Chief Technical Officer. "Susie has demonstrated a natural talent for developing a car and providing strong feedback and these sort of characteristics will be key this season as teams seek to quickly understand and refine the radically overhauled 2014 cars."