Sirotkin happy with opportunity to prove his worth

Sergey Sirotkin completed 48 laps on Renault's first day of testing at Silverstone as the Russian put the team's RS 16 through a  comprehensive programme of evaluations and assessments.

While Sirotkin's run and day of work was affected by the afternoon rain showers, the ART Grand Prix GP2 driver was elated to drive once again a Formula 1 car after sampling the Renault in Sotchi earlier this year.

"It's always exciting when you get time in a Formula 1 car," said the Russian.

"Today was about following procedures and working towards the development of the car. We weren't looking at pure performance runs, it was more trying to be able to measure and assess the new parts we have for the car.

"I had some good time in the car both in wet and dry conditions. I went through the range of Pirelli's tyres, so slicks, intermediates and full wets."

Sirotkin also offered his view on the differences between his regular GP2 ride which he enjoyed last Sunday and Renault's  2016 contender.

"Basically you don't feel really any step in terms of the speed, it's about the same speed everywhere. In a straight line it's a bit quicker, but mid-corner it's about the same.

"It's probably slightly better on the brakes, and obviously much better on the kerbs and on the bumps because this track is quite difficult in that."

Sirotkin's season is focused on doing his best in GP2 of course, but the Russian hopes his testing duties will help his efforts to become a Grand Prix driver in the near future.

"I think I showed what I can do in Sotchi. Here, it was just another opportunity for me to get experience and to help the team with the development, and an opportunity to prove that I can do a good job and able to do what the team needs."

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