Nicholas Latifi handed reserve and test role with Force India

Former Renault test driver Nicholas Latifi has joined Force India as the team's official reserve and test driver for 2018.

The 22-year-old Canadian, a race winner in Formula 2 last year with DAMS, will take part in young driver test sessions in 2018 and drive for Force India in a number of Friday practice sessions at Grand Prix events.

"I’m really excited about the opportunity," said Latifi.

"Sahara Force India is a team that has shown constant improvement for the last few years and I’m proud to become a part of one of the success stories of Formula One.

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"I am eager to show the team what I can do and help them as they continue to close the gap to the front of the grid."

Force India boss Vijay Mallya is delighted to welcome the young Canadian to the pink squad.

"Nicholas joins us off the back of a strong season in F2 and strengthens our driver development programme.

"He will support our simulator programme and work with the team during a number of Friday practice sessions next year.

"We have a long track record of bringing on young talented drivers and Nicholas will learn a huge amount as he gets embedded in the team, and looks forward to a career in Formula One."

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