Esteban Ocon will drive for Renault again during the opening free practice session at this weekend's German Grand Prix.
The 19-year-old took part in his third FP1 session of the season for Renault at Budapest - following a couple of appearances in Barcelona and Silverstone - before carrying out two days of testing for Mercedes at the British Grand Prix venue.
Although he is part of the Mercedes driver program and contests this year’s DTM with the German manufacturer, Ocon is Renault's third and reserve driver and will again be in the R.S.16 at Hockenheim on Friday.
After driving Kevin Magnussen’s car in Hungary, the Frenchman will deputise for Jolyon Palmer in Germany.
Leaving to #Hockenheim for the #GermanGP ! looking forward to drive the @RenaultSportF1 #RS16 in FP1 again!;) @f1 pic.twitter.com/gGOc2gNKJL
— Esteban Ocon (@OconEsteban) 27 juillet 2016
Ocon has been tipped for a full-time role at Renault next year, but team principal Frédéric Vasseur insists no decision has been made regarding next year’s driver line-up.
“We are at that time of year when we are asked these questions, but the questions and the speculation often happen before any decision is made,” he said.
“What I can say is we have two good drivers, who are improving weekend after weekend. Let’s not forget that Jolyon is a rookie and that Kevin only had one year driving full-time at McLaren then a year not racing.
“They are both doing a strong, solid job and work very well within the team. I have a strong relationship with them both and they know what is expected of them. Within the team we are very happy together. We will make our decisions for 2017 in our own time.”
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