Susie Wolff to increase Williams F1 development role in 2013

The former DTM driver joined the team last year, conducting her first F1 test in an older-spec car in October.

This season she will be entrusted with the majority of aerodynamic tests, including the first run of the new FW35 at the Idiada track in Spain, and will also be given a greater level of simulator work.

Williams technical director Mike Coughlan said Wolff had earned the chance with her work during 2012.

"Susie has proved herself to be a valuable addition to our driver roster and her feedback during simulator sessions is second to none," he said.

Wolff described the promotion as an important step for women in F1 as well as herself.

"Last year was a valuable experience and I certainly feel that I've developed a lot as a driver," she said.

"I'm showing that women can play a role at the top level of motorsport and would like to thank Sir Frank Williams and the whole of the technical team for the trust they continue to show in me."

Williams's former test and reserve driver Valtteri Bottas is replacing Bruno Senna in the race team alongside Pastor Maldonado this year.