Magnussen wins Driver of the Day award in Russia

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Kevin Magnussen has won the Driver of the Day award after scoring Renault’s first points since its return as a factory team at last Sunday’s Russian Grand Prix.

The Dane succeeds Haas’ Romain Grosjean, who scooped the trophy in the first two races, and Red Bull’s Daniil Kvyat, who was rewarded for his podium in China.

Starting from 17th on the grid, Magnussen was already up to ninth by the time the opening-lap mayhem and ensuing Safety Car period ended. The 23-year-old went on to drive a steady race to move past Grosjean and resist subsequent pressure from the Frenchman to finish seventh.

Following a trio of challenging races for Renault, Magnussen’s points means the French manufacturer is finally on the board in the Constructors’ championship.

Magnussen’s performance was all the more remarkable after he had to sit out the opening free practice session, with new Renault test driver Sergey Sirotkin piloting his R.S.16 in FP1.