Britain’s Oliver Rowland has been confirmed as a Williams’ development driver for the 2018 season and will participate in this year’s young driver test.
The 25-year-old will be tasked with completing their simulator work and be given the chance to take the wheel of this year’s FW41 at the young driver test at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in May.
Rowland makes the switch from Renault’s young driver programme after spending one season with the Enstone-based team.
Alongside his new role, he will also be competing in the World Endurance Championship, taking part in the LMP1 category with TRSM Racing.
Rowland finished third in last season’s Formula Two championship, securing two wins and eight more podiums whilst racing for DAMS.
“I am immensely proud to be joining Williams Martini Racing as their official young driver,” said Rowland. “It’s a fantastic opportunity for me and I will be working as hard as I possibly can to help them develop the car this season.
“Williams is a British team with a fantastic heritage and history which has made it one of the most respected teams in the sport. It’s always been my ambition to get a role in Formula One and I’m very excited to be doing that with Williams.
“They have always given young drivers the opportunity to progress so it’s now up to me to make a good impression and further my development as a driver.
“Hopefully with my hard work in the simulator and test I can impress the team. It’s certainly going to be an exciting challenge ahead and I want to help Williams as the team continues to work to close the gap to the front of the grid in 2018.”
Deputy team principal Claire Williams added; “I am pleased we have secured the services of Oliver, who is a talented and highly regarded young driver.
“He has raced at many Formula One circuits, and his experience and knowledge will complement the team’s ongoing engineering work. His addition to Williams will further strengthen the team.”
Former Grand Prix winner Robert Kubica was confirmed in an official Formula One role for the first time since his career was put on-hold due to injuries sustained in a rallying crash in 2011. The Pole was confirmed as Williams’ reserve and development driver for 2018.