Williams signs Bottas as test driver

Williams has signed the Formula 3 Euro Series driver, Valtteri Bottas, as their official test driver for the 2010 Formula 1 season. The 20-year-old Finn, who is managed by former world champion Mika Hakkinen, joins the team in place of GP2 champion Nico Hülkenberg, who has been promoted to a race driver this year.

« It’s an excellent way to start 2010, » declared Bottas. « I am very honored to have been selected by such a prestigious team as AT&T Williams, one of the most well-known teams in the sport. »

Bottas committed to doing everything possible to thank Williams for trusting him: « This is an important step in my career, but now is when the real work begins. I am sure I will learn a lot with the team, and I hope that together we will achieve excellent results in the years to come. This opportunity gives me even more energy to improve as a driver and achieve my future goals. My ultimate goal would be to become a Formula 1 World Champion one day. »

« I take this opportunity to thank Sir Frank Williams and the team management. Thanks also to my clan and my sponsors for their work and support up to this day. »

Bottas finished third in his first season in the F3 Euro Series with the ART team and is one of the favorites for the 2010 title.

Sir Frank Williams added: « Valtteri’s CV is very impressive, with a long list of successes in various junior Formulas. We hope that this role as an official test driver in our team will be another step in his development. We wish him to be the best this season in the Formula 3 Euro Series. »