Kevin Magnussen will not be in the first session of the Russian Grand Prix weekend, as Renault signs Sergey Sirotkin as a test driver. The 20 year old Russian has joined the team as part of his “long term development plan”, although Renault has not announced if he will be taking part in other race weekends this season.
Supported by SMP Racing, a Russian motorsport career development programme company, Sirotkin competed in the GP2 Series last season with the Rapax Team. During this season, he was able to pilot his car to victory in the feature race at Silverstone and he was able to complete the season in third positon in the championship. He’s not new to Formula One, as he was Sauber’s test driver in 2014 for the inaugural running of the Russian Grand Prix at the Sochi Autodrom.
The Racing Director for Renault Sport Racing, Frédéric Vasseur, is happy about the partnership and described Sirotkin as “one of the most promising drivers from the junior categories”. He went on to express his confidence in the Russian, saying: “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.”
Sergey Sirotkin is confident that this Formula One experience will be a great stepping stone in his motorsport career:
“This is a great opportunity for me, although it has all come together so quickly. I still can’t quite believe it. 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 One 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.”
The Renault Formula One Team has helped to create many motor racing careers, some of which include René Arnoux, Alain Prost and Fernando Alonso. The team still has their official third and reserve driver, Esteban Ocon, but he will not be taking part in this weekend’s Russian Grand Prix.
