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Williams appoints Karun Chandhok to heritage driver role

Gasperotti/Sutton Images

Williams has named former F1 racer Karun Chandhok as the official driver of the team's heritage division.

Chandhok, who raced for HRT in 2010 and was Lotus reserve driver in 2011, is currently part of Channel 4's broadcasting team. In his new role, Chandhok will focus on the testing and public demonstration of Williams' historic racing cars, a collection which dates back to the team's first F1 season in 1977.

Chandhok will appear at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this weekend and take the 1983 FW08C and 1990 Fw13B up the iconic Goodwood Hill.

Speaking about the appointment, Chandhok said: "Williams is such an iconic British team, steeped in racing history so it's a real honour to be involved in its Heritage programme. 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."

Since leaving Formula One, Chandhok has competed in the World Endurance Championship, as well as the inaugural season of Formula E for Mahindra Racing.