GP2 Series racer Nicholas Latifi has joined the Renault Sport Formula 1 team on a long-term development programme, and will participate in at least one free practice session in 2016.
The twenty-year-old will combine a season in GP2 with the DAMS outfit with his new role with the Formula 1 team, and will participate in a testing programme that will allow the Canadian to obtain the Superlicence required to make his free practice debut.
“Being named test driver for the Renault Sport Formula One Team is something very special – an amazing opportunity,” insisted Latifi. “There’s a lot of history behind the Renault name in F1, so to be a part of that, and get the chance to learn from them and gain expertise in a full factory team, is really going to help my development.
“My dream has always been to reach Formula One, and there’s a lot of hard work still to do, but this is another step towards me fulfilling my potential and earning my place on the grid.
“F1 is totally unlike any other category of motorsport, so being immersed in that environment I’ll be a bit like a sponge – absorbing as much information as possible. Hopefully, I can apply a lot of what I learn to my racing in GP2 this season.”
