GOODWOOD: Chandhok gets Williams heritage role

Former Formula 1 racer Karun Chandhok has been named as an official driver for Williams's Heritage division, with his debut at this week's Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Chandhok will carry out testing and public demonstrations of Williams's historic racing cars, which date back to its first F1 season in 1977. He has sampled several of the cars at other events and his first official appearance in his new role will involve taking a 1983 FW08C and 1990 FW13B up the Goodwood hill. He will also act as a driver coach to customers of Williams Heritage, who have bought a running car and use the division to run and maintain it.

"Williams is such an iconic British team, steeped in racing history, so it's a real honor to be involved in its Heritage program," said Chandhok. "So many of the Williams Heritage cars are pieces of racing history with great stories to tell. So to be offered the chance to get up close and personal and drive them – sometimes being the first person to do so in decades – is an incredible opportunity.

"I look forward to not only demonstrating the cars from time to time, but working with other Williams car owners to help them fully enjoy their experience of driving these pieces of F1 history."

Williams Heritage director Jonathan Williams said: "With a wealth of experience in a wide range of championships, including Formula 1, GT, LMP1 and Formula E, Karun was the ideal candidate to be our Heritage driver.

"What's more, he has a real passion for motorsport history and is a font of knowledge when it comes to Formula 1."

Originally on Autosport.com