Williams delighted with Alex Lynn's development work

Claire Williams has praised the work and contribution in 2015 of the team's Formula 1 development driver Alex Lynn.

The 22-year-old GP2 racer performed various duties for the Grove outfit last year, whether it was simulator work or in-season track testing in Spain.

"In terms of the job we wanted Alex to do, he has overdelivered," Claire Williams told Autosport.

"Alex is quite a complex character, he thinks a lot about everything that he does. He doesn't just go crashing in there, everything is well-considered.

"He has gone through this development programme with us and he's integrated across lots of areas of the business.

"Whether it is working in the simulator or with the guys in the composites, everything he has done, he has really outshone himself. The level of maturity for his age is quite impressive."

Lynn scored two wins last year in his first GP2 season, racing with DAMS. The British driver has renewed his allegiance with the French team for 2016 for a second GP2 campaign, targeting the title.

"GP2 was up and down for him last year," Williams said. "He's had some great moments but also some disappointing moments. But it was his rookie year in GP2 and we need to remember that.

"The series by its nature can deliver tough blows to these kids and can blind you to somebody's true performance because of the nature of the grids. So in 2016, I think we'll be able to see where Alex is as a driver."

Alex Lynn's future with Williams currently remains unclear as the team has yet to announce its plans regarding its development drivers.

It has enlisted however young Canadian hopeful and ex-Ferrari Driver Academy member Lance Stroll for a support and development role.

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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.

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