Williams test driver Nissany awarded FP1 outing in Spain

40

F2 racer Roy Nissany will make his official debut in F1 this week as the Israeli driver takes part in the Spanish Grand Prix's first practice session on Friday at Barcelona.

Williams' cars will also carry the logo of professional cycling team 'Israel Start-Up Nation' on its cars for the duration of the race weekend at the Circuit de Catalunya.

"I am very keen to get in the car in Barcelona," said Nissany who previously tested for Williams at the end of last year in Abu Dhabi.

"Driving an FP1 for the first time is a huge milestone for every driver, yet for me, it is also a national achievement to be carrying the Israeli flag.

"I have thoroughly been preparing for it with the team and I believe we can get great value out of it."

Nissany backed as 'future world champion' at Williams

The 25-year-old Nissany will take over George Russell's FW43 in FP1.

"We spent time with Roy in Abu Dhabi at the end of last year and we know that he will immediately be up to speed and contributing to the important test plan on Friday," said Dave Robson, Williams' head of vehicle performance.

"We continue to push the FW43 hard and this return to Barcelona is an opportunity to explore again the higher downforce set-ups at a circuit that we know well."

Russell hopes to put to good use in Spain the data collected over the last two weeks at Silverstone.

"Off the back of two very different Grands Prix at Silverstone, one being cold with hard tyres and one being hot with soft tyres, I think that has given us some good learning," said the Briton.

"This week in Barcelona is going to be really tricky as we normally race there in May, now we are racing there in August.

"However, I am excited to get back driving again and hopefully put in another good Saturday, but this time focus on doing the same job on Sunday."

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.