Williams retains Ticktum as development driver for 2021

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Williams Racing says Dan Ticktum will remain in his role as development driver for the Grove-based outfit for the 2021 season.

Ticktum joined Williams last season and enjoyed a busy simulator programme, supporting the team's development of its 2020 FW43.

The 21-year-old will undertake the same tasks while embedding with Williams on race weekend when possible as the Briton dovetails his support role with his FIA Formula 2 Championship commitments with Carlin.

"I am very happy to be continuing my partnership with Williams as Development Driver," said Ticktum.

"It will be fun to get more time trackside this year as last year was quite difficult, so it will be nice to get more involved with the team at the track.

"I am looking forward to continuing my support in the sim, and I am very focused for this year.

"I still have a lot of work to do as my season hasn’t started but I am privileged and very happy as always to be representing Williams."

Read also: Williams confirms Chadwick as development driver for 2021

Williams team boss Simon Roberts is looking forward to seeing the former Macau GP winner improve his knowledge and experience of F1.

"It’s great to be continuing our working with Dan in his role as Development Driver for Williams Racing," commented Roberts.

"He is a very exciting young driver with plenty of talent, which is evidenced by his back-to-back successes in Macau along with his impressive rookie season in F2 last year.

"We got to see first-hand his skills in the simulator and Dan played an important role in helping with car development, along with becoming a well-respected member of the team. We look forward to watching him grow and develop in 2021."

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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.