Williams confirmed on Monday that Nyck de Vries who is the reigning Formula E champion, will participate in the first practice session of the Spanish Grand Prix.
Williams has confirmed that Nyck de Vries will replace Alex Albon in first practice at the Spanish Grand Prix.
De Vries presently races for the Mercedes-EQ Formula E team, and his involvement in FP1 in Barcelona is in accordance with the mandated young driver sessions that Formula 1 teams must provide, since the Dutchman will take over Alex Albon’s FW44.
As part of a new rule implemented this year, all ten teams must run a ‘rookie driver’ in two FP1 sessions throughout the season. To avoid confusion, a rookie is defined as a driver who has “participated in no more than two F1 World Championship Races during their career.”
“Nyck de Vries will join the team for Friday’s first Free Practice in Barcelona, taking to the track in place of Alex Albon, and fulfilling one of the two mandated young driver sessions this season,” a statement from Williams read.
“The 27-year old Dutch driver, the reigning FIA Formula E World Champion, will aid the team’s preparation work ahead of Qualifying and the Grand Prix. Alex will return to the FW44 from the second practice session.”
Williams’ sporting director Sven Smeets commented: “I’m looking forward to seeing Nyck join the team for FP1 at the Spanish Grand Prix.
“As he is a very talented and experienced driver I have no doubt that he’ll maximise his time in the FW44 and deliver a strong, capable performance for the team.”
Williams head of vehicle performance Dave Robson added: “We are looking forward to having Nyck de Vries in the car for FP1 as it is always good to work with a new driver and get a fresh opinion on the car’s strengths and weaknesses.
“Nyck’s experience and professionalism will be crucial on Friday as he will complete some of the key engineering tests in FP1 before he hands the car back to Alex for FP2.”
The Dutchman has already tested with the Silver Arrows, including at last year’s end-of-season test in Abu Dhabi, but this will be his first official session with Williams.
“Firstly, I’d really like to thank Williams for the opportunity to run in FP1,” De Vries said.
“It’s great for me to get to know the team and drive the FW44, and also to get myself out on track during a Formula One weekend.
“Preparation for the test is going well so far and the team have been incredibly supportive of me. I’m very much looking forward to the whole experience in Spain now,” the Dutchman concluded.
De Vries will come in Spain after winning the Berlin E-Prix, his second victory for Mercedes this season.
