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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