Williams confirms Nissany as team's official test driver

40

ROKiT Williams Racing has confirmed Israeli hopeful Roy Nissany as the team's official test driver for the 2020 season.

The 25-year-old driver from Tel Aviv - who raced in the past in the European F3 championship and won several races in the World Series Formula V8 3.5 - enjoyed his first F1 outing at last month's post-season test in Abu Dhabi.

Nissany's nomination means he will undertake three Friday practice sessions, drive one rookie test, conduct a number of simulator sessions and embed with the team at three Grand Prix weekends.

Smedley warns that 'it can get worse' at Williams

As part of the agreement, the Israel Start-Up logo will appear on the FW43 for the duration of a Grand Prix weekend when Roy is driving the car.

"I am thrilled to become Official Test Driver for ROKiT Williams Racing," Nissany said.

"This is also a landmark for motorsport in Israel. When I tested for the team in Abu Dhabi in December, I instantly felt comfortable in the car and part of the team.

"The experience that I will gain this year, immersing myself with Williams will prove invaluable and I’m looking forward to getting started, both on and off the track."

Nissany's 2020 active race programme will include a participation in this year's FIA Formula 2 Championship.

"It is a pleasure to welcome Roy Nissany to ROKiT Williams Racing in the role of our Official Test Driver," said Williams deputy team principal Claire Williams.

"Roy demonstrated his capabilities driving in the post-season Abu Dhabi test last year and we were extremely impressed with what he could do in a short space of time.

"He is a hard-working individual who we are excited to be working with this year."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

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.