Susie Wolff, confirmed by Williams, will drive during two Grand Prix weekends
Already involved in the Williams team's development program, Susie Wolff will take a step closer to Formula 1 by having the opportunity to participate in two official free practice sessions during the season. A first for a woman since 1992.
In a statement published today on its official website, the Williams team confirmed that Susie Wolff would continue in her role as development driver in 2014 and would even take part in two free practice sessions during the upcoming season.
22 years after Giovanna Amati for Brabham at the 1992 Brazilian Grand Prix, a woman will participate in an official session during a race weekend. Williams has indeed indicated that Susie Wolff, in addition to her role as a development driver, will be behind the wheel of the FW36 in 2014. A double announcement that delights the German: « I am grateful for the support and belief that Williams continues to show towards me, and 2014 promises to be an important step in my career. My responsibilities within the team have progressively increased as I have proven myself, to the point of being given the opportunity to test the car at Silverstone and conduct straight-line tests last season. »
Driving in two Free Practice 1 sessions, in addition to a full day of testing this season, will be a big step and I am eager to have the opportunity to be at the wheel of the FW36 during a Grand Prix weekend. It’s a challenge I will take on and it will be an important chance for me to continue helping the team, she added.
On Pat Symonds’ side, Williams’ technical director, it is the continuity and the driver’s development skills that are highlighted: Susie has become an important member of our driver team and in 2014, we will see her take more responsibility as we aim to make a significant step forward in performance. Susie has demonstrated natural talent in car development and has provided solid feedback, and these kinds of characteristics will be key this season as teams look to quickly understand and refine the radically different cars of 2014.
More information to follow…
