Williams retains Paul Di Resta as Reserve Driver for 2017

©WRI2

Williams has announced that Paul Di Resta will remain as its official reserve driver for the 2017 Formula 1 season.

A veteran of 58 Grand Prix starts, the 30-year-old Scot has been out of a regular F1 drive since leaving Force India 2013, but has remained active in the German DTM championship with Mercedes.

Paul inherited the reserve driver role at Williams in 2016, and will once again spend extensive time with the Grove-based outfit at races to ensure he is fully accustomed to the controls and procedures of the Williams Mercedes FW40, should he be required to step into the cockpit during the season.

"I am delighted to remain at Williams as Reserve Driver for the 2017 season," said Di Resta.

"I’m looking forward to getting to grips with the controls and procedures of the FW40 and understanding the new regulations.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank Claire and everyone at Williams for their continued support in being part of the team."

Deputy Team Principal, Claire Williams added:

"It’s great for us to retain someone with Paul’s experience in the team. His extensive Formula One knowledge will once again be invaluable, especially with new regulations in place for the 2017 season.

"Paul has been a great asset to the team over the past year and it is great that we will be able to continue working with him again in 2017."

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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.