Valtteri Bottas and Mirko Bortolotti to drive for Williams in Abu Dhabi test
The 2011 GP3 Series champion Valtteri Bottas and newly-crowned Formula 2 champion Mirko Bortolotti will drive for Williams in the Young Driver Test which takes place in Abu Dhabi next week
Bottas is already the team's official test and reserve driver, and a potential contender for a 2012 race seat if he impresses during the Abu Dhabi sessions.
Bortolotti has been given the opportunity as part of his reward for winning the title in F2 - which Williams builds the cars for.
"I'm obviously really pleased that I have been given the opportunity to test in Abu Dhabi with 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."
Bottas has driven Williams Formula 1 cars before but only in straightline testing so is relishing the opportunity of the test, which takes place between November 15-17.
"I'm very much looking forward to these two days in Abu Dhabi," said the Finn. "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% ready. It will be great to have a go on a proper circuit now!"
Share Or Save This Story
Archive: How Button achieved a rare Formula Ford feat
Why the Nurburgring 24 Hours is better than ever
Is Forza still king of the gaming hill?
You Ask The Questions: Valtteri Bottas
What would you like to ask Valtteri Bottas?
Bottas' mental health column is brutal, but also shows how F1 is changing
Why Sainz believes F1 and FIA must be "tough" on 2027 changes
Williams signs key leaders from McLaren, Mercedes, Alpine
Where you can find the best battles of F1 2026
MotoGP bans front holeshot devices immediately, tweaks grid layout from German GP
Milicevic's Cooper in command at Cadwell Park VSCC medley
Why Le Mans wasn't a manufactured illusion
What happens next as appeal against Gasly's Monaco podium decision goes to court
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments