JULY 6, 2013

Susie Wolff to test Williams at Silverstone?

Susie Wolff will drive Williams' 2013 car during the young driver test at Silverstone later this month.

The news is being reported by Germany's Bild newspaper and the specialist Auto Motor und Sport, while her husband and Williams co-owner Toto Wolff confirmed: "She is tremendously glad about it."

Scotland-born Wolff, 30, is already the famous British team's test driver, but her participation at Silverstone - her first proper circuit test in a F1 car - was not assured until now.

The German publications said her test in the Renault-powered FW35 will be the first official F1 action for a female driver since Giovanna Amati in 1992.

Auto Motor und Sport said Wolff, a former DTM driver who until now has been limited to simulator and aerodynamic test runs, will drive on the first of the three-day test.

Meanwhile, Italiaracing reports that the FIA has backtracked on an earlier stipulation that race drivers will be limited to only tyre testing at the Silverstone test.

Earlier, it was thought only the inexperienced 'young drivers' will be allowed to focus on real car development.

The clarification follows Fernando Alonso's claim that he is not interested in simply testing tyres at Silverstone, because he is "not a Pirelli test driver".

An unimpressed Pirelli chief Paul Hembery hit back: "I'm sorry for him, but Vettel and the other drivers will be there," he is quoted by Italy's Tuttosport.

(GMM)