Paul Di Resta lands Williams F1 reserve role
Mercedes AMG DTM driver Paul Di Resta will be part of the Williams F1 Racing team this season, joining the squad as their third and reserve driver.
The Scot was confirmed last month as part of the 2016 Mercedes AMG driver line-up in the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters. The 2010 champion will contend his seventh season in the series as part of the Team HWA II. Di Resta contested three seasons in Formula 1 with the Force India Team following winning the title in the premier German touring car series.
Claire Williams, deputy team principal said: “Having competed in 58 Formula One races throughout his career Paul’s racing knowledge will be invaluable. We are also confident that given his recent Formula One and current DTM experience Paul will be able to confidently step into the FW38 and assist with our 2016 campaign.”
The role means Di Resta will be present at the Formula 1 races, in case any of the title drivers is unable to compete. There are no clashes between the 2016 F1 and DTM calendars. The Scottish driver said: “It will be a busy year combining both driving in DTM with Mercedes AMG, and attending the Formula One Grands Prix in my new reserve driver role. I will be giving my full support to both and look forward to the exciting possibilities the year has ahead.”
The move comes five weeks after fellow Mercedes AMG DTM driver Gary Paffett took a simulator testing role at Williams. The Grove-based team uses Mercedes engines. Toto Wolff is the Head of all Mercedes motorsport activities and a former shareholder of the Williams F1 team, having sold his remaining shares last week.
