Israeli named Williams’ official test driver for the Formula One season

The 25-year-old Israeli, who is to again compete in Formula 2 this year, is to participate in three practice sessions, a rookie test day, and immerse himself in the team over three grand prix weekends.

Nissany, who tested for Williams at the end of last season in Abu Dhabi, said: “Being announced as an official test driver for Williams for 2020 is just a great honour.

“That was my goal. Reaching Formula One was my goal since I was six or seven years old, starting from karting.

“To think about the fact that I waited approximately 19 years for this moment to happen, I’m so very, very much looking forward to getting started.”

Citing his role as “a landmark for motorsport in Israel”, he added: “When I tested for the team in Abu Dhabi in December, I instantly felt comfortable in the car and part of the team.

“I’m looking forward to extracting every little essence of learning, of development and of driving from the engineering world from the free practice sessions, from the simulator, and from any activity I’m going to do with the team.

“The test in Abu Dhabi was great. It was a very good experience, both for my learning and my development. I consider it a very big milestone in the long journey of Williams and I together.”

Nissany, the son of one-time Minardi test driver Chanoch, won races in the Formula V8 3.5 championship across 2016-17, and competed in F2 in 2018, albeit was only 22nd in the standings.

Despite his lack of a drive last year, deputy team principal Claire Williams said: “Roy demonstrated his capabilities driving in the post-season Abu Dhabi test last year and we were extremely impressed with what he could do in a short space of time.

“He is a hard-working individual who we are excited to be working with this year.”

Sylvan Adams, President of the “Roy Nissany Formula One” management group and  co-owner of the Israel Start Up Nation cycling team said: “This is yet another landmark moment for Israeli sport. Hundreds of millions of motor racing enthusiasts across the world will get to see a different side of our country, what I call ‘normal’ Israel. I have no doubt that Roy will do a wonderful job representing our country with dignity and pride. I cannot wait for the moment when we see the blue and white flag on a Formula One car.”

Chemi Peres, Chairman of the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation and son of Israel’s former-President Shimon Peres,said: “Today, Roy Nissany proved that what we thought was impossible, is possible. This is our motto at the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation. It was also the legacy of my father, Shimon Peres, the Ninth President of the State of Israel. It is a legacy which we continue today, as we educate the next generation. We instil them with important values, which can also be found in the world of motor racing, that through patience, tolerance and teamwork, the impossible can be achieved.”