Dan Ticktum joins Williams as development driver

Williams has announced that two-time Macau Grand Prix winner Dan Ticktum has joined the team's driver academy in the role of development driver.

A former member of Red Bull's junior driver programme, Ticktum appeared to be next in line a year ago for a graduation to F1 after finishing runner-up to Mick Schumacher in the European F3 Championship.

The 20-year-old Briton, who made his F1 debut earlier this year in Bahrain with Red Bull Racing, was sent to Japan earlier this year to compete in Super Formula, but results fell short of expectations, which in turn decided Red Bull to drop Ticktum from its junior programme.

The young hopeful appeared to be left out in the cold until a deal to race in the FIA Formula 2 Championship in 2020 was secured with DAMS.

Ticktum could 'forget motorsport' if F1 isn't possible

Ticktum's Williams opportunity will add to his revived prospects.

"It is a privilege to be joining the Williams Racing Driver Academy, especially given Williams’ incredible heritage in our sport," Ticktum said.

"The time in the simulator and experience working with the team will prove invaluable for my development.

"Being fully integrated into the operations will be a fantastic opportunity and I look forward to assisting wherever I can."

©Williams

Ticktum's development role with the Grove-based outfit will include a presence with the team at the factory and trackside, where he will be fully integrated across Williams' engineering and marketing teams at two specific Grand Prix weekends.

Claire Williams, Deputy Team Principal, commented: "I am delighted that Dan, another exciting young British talent, has joined the Williams Racing Driver Academy.

"His ability behind the wheel has been demonstrated with back-to-back successes at the prestigious Macau Grand Prix in 2017 and 2018.

"Dan’s technical expertise will prove invaluable to the team and we are looking forward to helping him grow and develop in 2020."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.