Williams confirm Bottas and Bortolotti for Abu Dhabi test
Formula One hopefuls Valtteri Bottas and Mirko Bortolotti will drive for Williams during next week’s young driver test in Abu Dhabi, the team have confirmed. Bottas will be at the wheel for the first two days, with Bortolotti taking over for the final day.
Bottas, 22, is currently Williams’ official test and reserve driver. In addition to his Formula One duties this year, the Finn also took championship honours in the GP3 Series with the ART Team after a convincing set of race wins.
“I'm very much looking forward to these two days in Abu Dhabi,” said Bottas. “It's something I have waited a long time for and is a dream come true. I have done everything I can to prepare myself for the test physically, and I have done a lot of preparation work with the team in the simulator, so I feel I'm 100 percent ready.
“So far, I have only completed straight-line tests with AT&T Williams, so it will be great to have a go on a proper circuit now! I'm really thankful to the team for giving me this opportunity and I aim to do my best to help them gather as much data as possible next week.”
Bortolotti is the reigning Formula Two champion and the 21-year-old Italian joins Williams as part of the reward package for winning this year’s F2 title.
“I’m obviously really pleased that I have been given the opportunity to test in Abu Dhabi with AT&T Williams,” said Bortolotti. “I will try to learn the car as quickly as possible and do the best I can for the team. I hope to learn lots of information from the engineers during the time I have and just enjoy it. For sure it’s going to be a big day for me and I’m looking forward to it.”
The Abu Dhabi young driver test takes place at the Yas Marina Circuit on November 15-17.
Credit: Formula One Administration Ltd (www.formula1.com)
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