Williams signs Lynn as development driver

(Williams Martini Racing Team)

The Williams Martini Racing Team have confirmed that they have signed GP3 champion, Alex Lynn as their new development driver, replacing Susie Wolff who has stepped up to the role of third driver.

In his new role with the team, the 21 year old Englishman will work in the team’s simulator to aid the development programme for the FW37. Lynn will also work closely with the race engineers to aid them with setting up the cars ahead of each Grand Prix of the season.

Lynn will also get an opportunity to drive the FW37 at the in season test that gets underway in Barcelona following the Spanish Grand Prix at the Circuit Du Catalunya in May. Speaking about his new role Lynn stated:

‘I am extremely excited to be joining Williams, a team with such incredible history and amazing potential. Over the past year the team has made huge strides forward and it’s clear to see their determination to fight for more success in the future. I hope that with a strong year in GP2, while also helping to develop the F1 car throughout this season, I can follow in the footsteps of Valtteri Bottas who joined the Williams team in exactly the same Development Driver role. 

Through hard work and determination, he has gone from winning the GP3 title to earning his place as a Williams F1 race driver. Working with people like Sir Frank Williams and Pat Symonds is an incredible opportunity for me. 

There is so much experience here at Williams and I hope to be able to use the knowledge gained from these people to further develop my skills as a racing driver and respected member of this team. Everyone has been incredibly welcoming from the outset, we have hit the ground running and I am very excited about the challenges this role offers – particularly my on track activities driving the FW37 in a few months time.’

Lynn will be aiming to help the Williams Martini Racing Team continue to move forward after the Grove based outfit finished in third place in the championship in 2014. Speaking about the signing of the Englishman Williams Martini Racing’s Deputy Team Principal and Commercial Director Claire Williams stated:

‘Williams has a strong track record in bringing young talent though the ranks and our Development Driver position is designed to fully immerse new recruits into the inner workings of a Formula One team. 

As a British team we are always on the lookout for emerging home-grown talent and Alex has caught our eye with his impressive performances in GP3. He has been chosen on merit and we are confident that alongside Felipe, Valtteri and Susie, Alex will help play an important role in making sure that the FW37 shows continuous improvement over the course of the 2015 season.’

© Ben Johnston 2015