Williams welcomes back Nissany for French GP FP1

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Williams development driver Roy Nissany will enjoy his second official 2021 outing with the British outfit this week in France when he takes part in Friday's opening practice session at Paul Ricard.

Nissany, who took part in FP1 in Spain last month, will take over George Russell's car in the first practice session.

"This weekend we welcome back Roy Nissany who will drive George’s car in FP1," said Dave Robson, Williams' head of vehicle performance.

"As usual, Roy will take an active role in our engineering programme, further evaluating some of the components that we introduced in Azerbaijan.

"His experience of driving at this circuit and his feeling for the car will help us understand the details of the new parts.

"Nicholas [Latifi] will follow a similar programme in FP1, mixing his race preparation with some component testing. George will be back in the car for FP2 and will concentrate on his race preparation."

Nissany is obviously looking forward to putting more F1 mileage under his belt.

"I can’t wait to be back in the car, it’s very addictive!" said the FIA Formula 2 Championship driver.

"Circuit Paul Ricard is a special track for me, I love the layout and have great memories from there. The last sector is usually very challenging, and I can’t wait to experience it in the FW43B."

Read also: Williams alters FW43B bargeboards to reduce wind issues

As for Russell, who aims to make the Q3 cut and score the team's first championship points this year, the Briton is looking forward to once again give it his all.

"I'm looking forward to going back racing again," he said ."Paul Ricard is a very tricky circuit with numerous different types of corner.
"Turn 11 is one of the most challenging physically, both on the driver and on the car, on the entire calendar and is a joy to drive.

"I'm also looking forward to three races in a row, as we move onward to Austria after France, and the season really starting to hot up."

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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.