Williams hands de Vries Spanish GP practice outing!

©Mercedes

Reigning Formula E champion Nyck de Vries will make his official F1 debut this week in Spain where the Dutchman will take part in Friday's first practice session with Williams.

The Mercedes EQ works driver will take to the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona in FP1 in place of Alex Albon, fulfilling one of the two young driver sessions mandated by the FIA this season.

"We are looking forward to having Nyck de Vries in the car for FP1 as it is always good to work with a new driver and get a fresh opinion on the car's strengths and weaknesses," said Dave Robson, Williams' head of vehicle performance.

"Nyck's experience and professionalism will be crucial on Friday as he will complete some of the key engineering tests in FP1 before he hands the car back to Alex for FP2."

Read also: Mercedes' de Vries baffled by Williams rumors

De Vries' last outing in an F1 car was at last December's Young Driver Test in Abu Dhabi where the 27-year-old topped the timesheet.

The Dutchman was short-listed by Williams at the end of last year for filling the seat alongside Nichola Latifi for 2022. But the Grove-based squad ultimately elected to hand the driver to Albon.

However, earlier this month, rumors emerged that de Vries was among the leading candidates to replace Latifi next season at Williams.

"Firstly, I’d really like to thank Williams for the opportunity to run in FP1," said de Vries, fresh from his win with Mercedes in Sunday's Berlin E-Prix.

"It’s great for me to get to know the team and drive the FW44, and also to get myself out on track during a Formula One weekend.

"Preparation for the test is going well so far and the team have been incredibly supportive of me. I’m very much looking forward to the whole experience in Spain now!"

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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.