Williams sign Israeli racer Nissany as test driver

He drove for the team at last year's post-race test in Abu Dhabi, and now Israeli driver Roy Nissany has become Williams official test driver.

As part of the deal the 25-year-old will take part in three Free Practice 1 sessions in 2020, drive in one rookie test day and be immersed with the team at three Grands Prix, along with taking part in numerous sessions in Williams’ simulator at their Grove factory.

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“I am thrilled to become Official Test Driver for Williams," said Nissany. "This is also a landmark for motorsport in Israel. When I tested for the team in Abu Dhabi in December, I instantly felt comfortable in the car and part of the team.

“The experience that I will gain this year, immersing myself with Williams will prove invaluable and I’m looking forward to getting started, both on and off the track.”

The Tel Aviv-born driver, whose father Chanoch appeared in FP1 for Minardi during the 2005 Hungarian Grand Prix, won four Formula V8 3.5 races from 2015-17, while he competed with Campos in the 2018 Formula 2 championship, with a best result of 10th in France and at the Spa Feature Race. He also tested a Sauber F1 car in 2014 at Valencia.

Deputy Team Principal Claire Williams added that it was a “pleasure” to add Nissany to their roster.

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“Roy demonstrated his capabilities driving in the post-season Abu Dhabi test last year and we were extremely impressed with what he could do in a short space of time. He is a hard-working individual who we are excited to be working with this year.”

Williams will be hoping for a jump in performance after finishing bottom of the constructors’ championship in 2019 with a sole point, and many are eager to find out just what the FW43 can do in 2020, with a launch date still to be confirmed.