Williams Martini Racing have confirmed that Paul di Resta will be their official reserve driver for the 2016 Formula 1 World Championship.
The Scot made his F1 debut as a test driver for the Sahara Force India team in 2009 after winning the Formula 3 Euro Series in 2006 and the DTM Series in 2010. Di Resta raced for the Silverstone-based outfit for three seasons from 2011, scoring a total of 121 points.
To ensure di Resta is fully accustomed to the controls of the Williams Mercedes FW38, he will spend extensive time with the team at Grand Prix, should at any time he be required to step into the cockpit, and di Resta is delighted to be joining the Grove-based team for the 2016 season and will give his full support.
“I am delighted to be joining Williams as reserve driver and look forward to the 2016 season,” said di Resta. “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. I would like to thank Claire and Williams for the opportunity to be part of the team.”
Deputy team principal of Williams, Claire Williams is delighted to welcome di Resta to the team with his racing knowledge being invaluable.
“We are delighted to welcome someone with Paul’s experience to the team,” said Claire. “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.”
