Susie Wolff to drive the Williams F1 car on a race weekend

An official statement released by the Williams F1 Team has confirmed that Susie Wolff will be the driver to take part in the F1 Grand Prix Practice session over the race weekend.

Susie will become the first woman driver in 22 years to take part in a Formula One Grand Prix weekend this season. The lady from Scotland would be on track for them in two free practice sessions later this year.

31-year-old Wolff, who is the wife of Mercedes motorsport head Toto Wolff, a former Williams executive director, would remain Williams development driver in an expanded role that will include two Friday outings.

It is good to see women drivers compete in a sport which has been dominated by men for so long. They are indeed in this space where even the phrase 'Man and Machine' immediately puts a man in the drivers seat.

Susie, however, is not overwhelmed by this and went on to say that, "I'm grateful for the support and belief Williams continue to show in me and 2014 promises to be a very important milestone in my career. My responsibilities within the team have steadily increased as I have proved myself, culminating in the opportunity to test the car at Silverstone and conduct straight line aero tests last season. Competing in two FP1 sessions, alongside an additional full test day this season will be a big step and I am looking forward to the opportunity to get behind the wheel of the FW36 on a Grand Prix weekend."