New Russian driver moves one step closer to Formula 1 dream

Russian GP2 driver Sergey Sirotkin has joined the Renault Formula 1 team as a test driver and will take part in the first practice session at this weekend’s Grand Prix in Sochi.

Sirotkin has signed a “long-term development” deal with the French manufacturer, which will run alongside his GP2 commitments for the ART squad this season.

The 20-year-old has previous F1 experience from his time as Sauber’s test driver in 2013 and he also drove for the Swiss team in the first practice session at the inaugural Russian Grand Prix in Sochi in 2014.

Speaking when the new was announced today, Sirotkin explained that the deal had been arranged quickly and that he is aiming use the experience to boost his chances of winning the GP2 championship this season.

He said: “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 FP1.

“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.”

Frédéric Vasseur, Renault’s racing director and founder of the ART team, described how Sirotkin’s performances in his debut GP2 season last year, where he finished third in the championship and scored one feature race win, had caught the French manufacturer’s attention.

He said: “Sergey is one of the most promising drivers from the junior categories so it is great for us that he is joining Renault Sport.

“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 it 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.”

British GP2 driver Alex Lynn recently told this website that he expects Sirotkin to be his main rival for the title in F1’s feeder series due to his ability to bring in consistent results.

Sirotkin will driver Kevin Magnussen’s RS16 car in Friday’s FP1 session alongside Jolyon Palmer, who won first ever GP2 race in Sochi back in 2014.