WILLIAMS Martini have announced Paul Di Resta will remain as their official reserve driver for the 2017 Formula 1 season.

Di Resta, who spent three seasons from 2011 with Force India, scoring 121 points, joined the Grove-based Williams team as third driver last year.

The 30-year-old Scot will again spend extensive time with the team to ensure he is fully accustomed to the controls and procedures of the Williams Mercedes FW40, should he be required to step into the cockpit during the season.

He said: “I am delighted to remain at Williams. I’m looking forward to getting to grips with the controls and procedures of the FW40 and understanding the new regulations.”

Deputy team principal, Claire Williams said: “Paul has been a great asset to the team over the past year and it is great that we will be able to continue working with him again in 2017.”