Luciano Bacheta, FIA F2 champion, drives Williams F1 car at Silverstone
The 22-year-old Briton, who secured his championship victory last month at Monza, got behind the wheel of the team’s 2011 FW33 machine on the 2.98km International configuration at the famous Northamptonshire circuit – home of the British Grand Prix.
Bacheta took part in five separate sessions during the course of the day. His first two runs took place on a damp but drying track but conditions improved for the afternoon when he was able to switch to slick tires and start to push the car to its limits.
Speaking afterwards Bacheta said: “Today's gone very well for me. I've had a good mix of wet and dry running which has been a perfect way to learn how the car works and adapts. Just to be around a team like Williams is a special experience and I've gained so much from the day.
“I'm still taking it all in and I am sure that it won't be until I go away and reflect that I'll realize quite how brilliant it was. The car is just a pleasure to drive, better than anything I've driven before, so I'd love to have some more experience of Formula One in the future."
Sir Frank Williams, Founder and Team Principal at Williams F1, added: “I'd like to pass on my congratulations to Luciano for winning the F2 title, a feat made all the more impressive by the way he achieved it with an unprecedented four consecutive wins at the start of the season. No doubt he learnt a lot from today’s experience and it will stand him in good stead for his future career which looks very promising indeed."
Luciano’s championship win also means he becomes eligible for an FIA Super License, required to compete in Formula One Grands Prix.