Leclerc set for FP1 run in Brazil, GP2 step

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Haas development driver Charles Leclerc will return to the wheel of the VF-16 in the opening free practice at this weekend’s Brazilian Grand Prix.

The Monegasque-born racer has already made three of his five scheduled FP1 outings this year, having tested in Silverstone, Hungary, and Germany. Leclerc, who leads this year’s GP3 Series, was initially set to run in Malaysia as well but “a change of timetable” meant he did not drive at Sepang.

With Abu Dhabi planned on the 18-year-old's programme from the onset, Interlagos was the only place left where Leclerc could also take part in free practice this year. The Ferrari Driver Academy member will once again deputise for Esteban Gutierrez.

Haas team principal Guenther Steiner has already ruled out Leclerc for a full-time F1 role with the US team in 2017, with a step to GP2 Series on the cards instead.

“Charles has done a good job for the team,” Steiner said. “He always did his program and he performed what we asked of him. It’s always difficult when a driver is only in for FP1, but he’s very professional and has provided good feedback. We’ve been very happy with his contributions.

“He’s in GP3 at the moment and can win the title in Abu Dhabi. He’s got a season of GP2 coming up and we will see how far he can get. If he wins GP2 or is in the top-three in his first year of GP2, he will have a good future in front of him.”

As a Maranello junior, Leclerc was also given the opportunity to sample the Scuderia’s SF16-H in the post-British Grand Prix test held at Silverstone.