Rowland joins Williams as Official Young Driver

Williams Martini Racing has recruited F2 racer Oliver Rowland as its Official Young Driver for the 2018 Formula 1 season.

Rowland, who finished third in last year's FIA Formula 2 Championship, will assist the Grove-based outfit with simulator work and enjoy the opportunity to drive the team's FW41 in this season's young driver test.

"I am immensely proud to be joining Williams as their official young driver," said the 25-year-old who tested for McLaren and Red Bull in the past.

"It’s a fantastic opportunity for me and I will be working as hard as I possibly can to help them develop the car this season.

"It’s always been my ambition to get a role in Formula One and I’m very excited to be doing that with Williams.

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"They have always given young drivers the opportunity to progress so it’s now up to me to make a good impression and further my development as a driver.

"Hopefully with my hard work in the simulator and test I can impress the team. It’s certainly going to be an exciting challenge ahead and I want to help Williams as the team continues to work to close the gap to the front of the grid in 2018."

Alongside his role for Williams, Rowland will gain further experience in 2018 by competing in the World Endurance Championship with TRSM Racing in LMP1.

Claire Williams, Deputy Team Principal, commented: "I am pleased we have secured the services of Oliver, who is a talented and highly regarded young driver.

"He has raced at many Formula One circuits, and his experience and knowledge will complement the team’s ongoing engineering work. His addition to Williams will further strengthen the team."

Rowland joins McLaren's Lando Norris, Mercedes' George Russell and Renault's Jack Aitken among the contingent of British drivers entrusted with support roles in F1 this year.

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