Williams appoint Susie Wolff as test driver

Williams Formula One test driver Susie Wolff of Britain scratches her head before the first practice session for the British Grand Prix at the Silverstone Race circuit, central England, July 4, 2014. REUTERS/Francois Lenoir

LONDON (Reuters) - Susie Wolff will take part in two grand prix practice sessions next season in a new role of official test driver for Williams, the Formula One team said on Friday. Wolff, the British wife of Mercedes motorsport head Toto Wolff, has been development driver for the team for the past three seasons. The team said the 31-year-old Scot would also be taking part in two test days in 2015 as well as doing work in the factory simulator. Wolff drove in two free practice sessions this year, becoming the first female driver to take part in a grand prix weekend in 22 years. "This is another step in the right direction for me," said Wolff, who will work with race drivers Felipe Massa and Valtteri Bottas. Williams finished third overall this season, their best performance since 2003. Brazilian Felipe Nasr, who was test and reserve driver this season, has left to join Sauber. Williams did not say who the new reserve would be. (Reporting by Alan Baldwin; Editing by John O'Brien)