Russian to take the place of Kevin Magnussen in Practice One
Tuesday 26 April 2016 10:10, UK
Sergey Sirotkin has joined Renault as their test driver and will make his debut for the team during Practice One in Russia.
The Russian had previously held the role at Sauber where he drove in practice for the team in Sochi in 2014.
Sirotkin will take the place of Kevin Magnussen for the opening practice session at the former Winter Olympic venue this weekend.
"This is a great opportunity for me, although it has all come together so quickly. I still can't quite believe it," said Sirotkin.
"This is, however, the moment that all young racing drivers are working towards, and I am determined to learn as much as I can, as quickly as I can, doing the best possible job for the team while driving in Free Practice 1.
"Renault Sport, which I would like to thank, has shown many times that it is the best place for a driver to start his Formula 1 career, and I intend to make the most of this opportunity.
"My commitment to challenge for the GP2 Series title will be enhanced by such a great chance and I would like to thank SMP Racing for the great support given to my career, commencing in Sochi, in front of my compatriots."
Renault's Racing Director Frederic Vasseur is confident Sirotkin has the talent to perform immediately despite how quickly the deal came about.
'Sergey is one of the most promising drivers from the junior categories so it is great for us that he is joining Renault Sport," he said.
"We saw that he was the most promising rookie in the GP2 Series last season, where he achieved a race win and podiums, and for 2016 he is very well placed to fight for the title. He has driven the Sochi Autodrom in a GP2 Series car previously so we have confidence in the job he will be able to do for us this weekend.
"For Renault Russia is a good opportunity to harness the growing popularity of Russian motorsports, starting this weekend with the Russian Grand Prix and looking forward to the Moscow ePrix, which will be held again near the walls of the Kremlin on 4 June."
Watch the whole Russian GP weekend - LIVE ONLY on Sky Sports F1. The race begins at 1pm on Sunday May 1, with build-up from 11.30am. Or watch the race without a contract for £6.99 on NOW TV.
