Williams recruits Jack Aitken as team's reserve driver

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ROKiT Williams Racing has snapped up Anglo-Korean hopeful Jack Aitken as its reserve driver for the 2020 F1 season.

Aitken announced on Monday his departure from the Renault F1 team's young driver programme and hinted at an "exciting next step" in his career".

The 24-year-old moves to Williams after a productive season in the FIA Formula 2 Championship where he won three races for Campos Racing and finished fifth in the overall standings.

As Williams' reserve driver, Aitken will imbed with the Grove-based outfit at all races this year and be on hand to replace either of the team's drivers if required.

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Aitken will also make his F1 debut in 2020 when he takes part in a yet-to-be announced Friday free practice session, and undertake simulator work for Williams at its factory.

"It is a great honour to join ROKiT Williams Racing as their Reserve Driver for the 2020 season," Aitken commented.

"Williams is a team with strong heritage, and continued longevity, and I’m looking forward to directly contributing to their development through my simulator and testing work."

Claire Williams, deputy team principal said:

"It is obvious from what Jack has achieved so far he is a young driver with a great career ahead of him, and we believe he has the right credentials to reach the top in the sport.

"Jack has proved his ability in FIA Formula 2 and GP3 and we look forward to seeing what he can achieve as the team’s Official Reserve Driver."

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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.