Wantage, Oxfordshire - Former McLaren test and reserve driver Gary Paffett has joined Formula One rival Williams to help develop its new car in the simulator.
Deputy team principal Claire Williams said: “His level of testing knowledge, and ability to analyse data, will significantly help to drive forward development of the FW38 throughout the season.”
Paffett, 34, is a veteran of the test circuit after taking part in 72 official test days, and clocking up 22 745km between 2001 and 2013.
He has never actually raced in Formula One but won the German Touring Car championship with Mercedes in 2005.
Mercedes-powered Williams, which ast took a title in 1997 and has not won a race since 2012, is the third most successful Formula One team in terms of race wins with 114. It has finished third overall for the past two years.