Tech 1 Racing have announced that Canadian teenager Nicholas Latifi will partner Marco Sorensen at the team for the Formula Renault 3.5 Series rounds at the Hungaroring and Paul Ricard.
Latifi, who’s primary campaign in 2014 is with the Prema Powerteam in the FIA European Formula 3 Championship, will become the second rookie to race alongside Sorensen this season, with Mexican Alfonso Celis Jr having raced for the team last time out at the Nurburgring.
The Canadian has had a mixed bag of results in 2014 in European Formula 3, with a podium finish at Silverstone his best result of the year. He currently sits tenth in the Drivers’ Championship.
Tech 1 Racing Team Manager Simon Abadie knows Latifi will not have much time to adapt to the Formula Renault 3.5 Series car, but believes the young Canadian will learn quickly.
“We’re delighted to welcome Nicholas Latifi to our team,” said Abadie. “Nicholas won’t have much time to find his feet in the car and get used to the DRS, starting procedures and pit stops, but we’ve got every confidence in his ability to learn quickly. He’ll take advantage of every second to gain experience.
“Nicholas’s youth and consistency dovetail perfectly with the profile we need as the season nears the end after a very difficult start to the year. He has what it takes to go for points immediately in the Formula Renault 3.5 Series. The team’s going to do everything in its power to help him get used to the car and the specific demands of the category. It’s a very motivating challenge,”
Tech 1 have struggled this season, with Sorensen being the only driver for the first nine races of the year, with the Dane’s best finish being second place in Monaco. Latifi’s announcement at least the team can get feedback from two drivers, something Sorensen could benefit on.
The team have not announced a driver for the final round of the season at Jerez, with Latifi already driving in European Formula 3 that weekend.