DECEMBER 17, 2001
Williams signs Pizzonia as second test driver
Williams BMW announced Monday that they have signed Brazilian Antonio Pizzonia as an official test driver for 2002 to assist Marc Gene with testing duties.
Frank Williams said of the signing, "We know Antonio well as he has already done some testing for us and he is a good choice in addition to Marc Gene, a very experienced driver. The demands for instant feedback from tests is becoming more and more important, so having two test drivers is necessary. Our engineers were very impressed with the work he has done in the past and so we are sure he will be a great asset to the team".
The young Brazilian completed his first season of International Formula 3000 in 2001, winning one race and finishing sixth in the championship driving for the Petrobras Junior Team. He will stay with Petrobras and again compete in the F3000 Championship in 2002 in addition to his F1 testing duties.