Williams Named Pirelli Star Driver

Jon Williams has been plucked by Pirelli to fill the first of the Italian manufacturer’s five Star Drivers to compete in the World Rally Championship. Pirelli introduced the scheme to promote new talent in the 2009 FIA-accredited series.

25-year old Williams has competed in the African Rally Championship in a Volkswagen Polo S2000 this year: “This is the fulfilment of a dream and a magnificent opportunity for me to show what I can achieve at World Rally Championship level.” He will drive in Portugal, Italy, Greece, Finland, Spain and Great Britain.

Peter Tyson, Pirelli’s senior marketing director stated that, “In Williams, we have found the first young talent to launch onto the world stage through the Pirelli Star Driver scheme. Allowing young drivers to emerge from their domestic championships and supporting their careers is a source of great satisfaction for us. This investment in the future of the sport is what makes the Pirelli Star Driver scheme so important and relevant today.”