Renault has appointed GP2 Series racer Nicholas Latifi to an F1 test driver role, with the Canadian hopeful set to take part in at least one grand prix free practice once he secures his Super Licence.
To that end, the 20-year-old will be put through a tailored test schedule while also being involved in a long-term development programme. After arriving in Europe in 2012, Latifi became a race winner in Italian F3 and took podium finishes and pole positions in British F3.
A varied 2015 programme included 11th spot in the Formula Renault 3.5 standings, a podium finish in the Porsche Carrera Cup GB and a handful of GP2 race appearances. This year, he will partner Williams F1 development driver Alex Lynn at multiple championship-winning outfit DAMS.
“Being named test driver for the Renault Sport Formula One Team is something very special, an amazing opportunity,” Latifi said upon the announcement. “There’s a lot of history behind the Renault name in F1, so to be a part of that, and get the chance to learn from them and gain expertise in a full factory team, is really going to help my development.
“My dream has always been to reach Formula One, and there’s a lot of hard work still to do, but this is another step towards me fulfilling my potential and earning my place on the grid.
"F1 is totally unlike any other category of motorsport, so being immersed in that environment I’ll be a bit like a sponge - absorbing as much information as possible. Hopefully, I can apply a lot of what I learn to my racing in GP2 this season.”
Speaking about Latifi’s appointment, Renault racing director Frédéric Vasseur added: ““Nicholas is a fast developing young talent who has competed in a diverse selection of championships in his short career to date. We are excited at the prospect of nurturing him into a Formula 1 ready entity at such a dynamic time for the team.
“As well as contesting the GP2 Series – which is a perfect proving ground for new drivers – Nicholas will go through a programme with us to attain his Super Licence with a view to contesting at least one FP1 session this year. We’re proud to have him on board.”
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