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Williams appoints Gary Paffett as simulator driver for 2016

Williams has enrolled former McLaren test driver and DTM racer Gary Paffett to handle its simulator development work this year.

Paffett will assist the vehicle science department in developing the Williams Mercedes FW38 at the Williams factory in Grove.

He will work closely with the team throughout the year to provide extensive feedback to help the continued development of this year’s car.

“I am really pleased to be joining the Williams team as the simulator driver to aid in the development of this year’s car," Paffett commented.

"The team has such a great pedigree and history in Formula 1. I look forward to supporting the team over this year in my new role."

Deputy team principal Claire Williams added: "We’re delighted to have someone with Gary’s experience join us at Williams.

"He is a highly professional racing driver and his level of testing knowledge, and ability to analyse data, will significantly help to drive forward development of the FW38 throughout the season."

A former McLaren Autosport BRDC award winner in 1999, Paffett's credentials include winning the German DTM series in 2005 for Mercedes.

Although having never raced in F1, the 34-year-old contributed vastly to McLaren's test programs over the years, participating between 2001 and 2013 in 72 official Formula One test days, completing 4971 laps and clocking up 22,745 km in the process.

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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.