Williams says that Susie Wolff will have an expanded role as development driver in 2013, involving more time in the simulator and in the actual car.
Indeed Wolff will give the new FW35 its first miles in an aero test at Idiada, Spain, next month.
Wolff is married to Williams shareholder and new Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff.
“Last year was a valuable experience and I certainly feel that I’ve developed a lot as a driver,” said Wolff. “Increasing my role this year will further this progression and I can’t wait to get behind the wheel of the FW35 for the first time next month.
“I’m showing that women can play a role at the top level of motorsport and would like to thank Sir Frank Williams and the whole of the technical team for the trust they continue to show in me.’’
Technical Director Mike Coughlan added: ‘’Susie has proved herself to be a valuable addition to our driver roster and her feedback during simulator sessions is second to none. As a result we will be stepping up her role this year and I’m looking forward to the progress we can make with Susie’s input in conjunction with that of Pastor and Valtteri.’’
Adam Cooper F1 
I hope she gets to have some FP1 sessions at some point too!
It’s a big step towards involving women in modern Formula One. We’ve got a female team principal and now a female test driver. Her DTM record isn’t stellar, though. Hopefully she doesn’t embarrass herself if she’s given a practice run or two throughout the season.
this seems like quite a serious conflict of interest, along with toto’s joint partial ownership of two teams.
F1 and conflict of interest? No way. 😀