Wolff to make Friday practice appearances for Williams

Williams’ Susie Wolff will become the first female driver in over two decades to compete in an official Grand Prix session later this year, when she takes part in two opening Friday practices for the team.

The practice outings are part of an expanded role for Wolff, as she continues as Williams’ development driver for the 2014 season, and follow her impressive performance in last year’s young drivers test at Silverstone.

"I'm grateful for the support and belief Williams continue to show in me and 2014 promises to be a very important milestone in my career,” said the 31-year-old Scot. “My responsibilities within the team have steadily increased as I have proved myself, culminating in the opportunity to test the car at Silverstone and conduct straight line aero tests last season.

“Competing in two FP1 sessions, alongside an additional full test day this season will be a big step and I am looking forward to the opportunity to get behind the wheel of the FW36 on a Grand Prix weekend. It's a challenge that I will relish and it will be a great chance for me to continue assisting the team."

Wolff joined Williams in April 2012 and played a valuable part in helping to develop the FW34, FW35, and the new Williams FW36. This year she will continue to work in the British team’s simulator to help further develop the FW36.

"Susie has become a valued member of our driver line up and 2014 will see her take on more responsibilities as we seek to make a strong step forward in performance,” commented Pat Symonds, Williams’ chief technical officer. “Susie has demonstrated a natural talent for developing a car and providing strong feedback and these sort of characteristics will be key this season as teams seek to quickly understand and refine the radically overhauled 2014 cars."

Prior to joining Williams Wolff spent seven seasons driving in Germany’s DTM series, and was twice nominated for the prestigious BRDC Young Driver of the Year Award.