Canadian GP2 racer Nicholas Latifi has joined Renault Sport F1 team as a test driver.
The team says it will put him through a test programme with a view to him getting a superlicence and taking part in at least one FP1 session this year. Latifi raced in Euro F3 in 2013 and ’14, finishing 15th and 10th in the respective seasons, and last year he competed in Renault 3.5 as well as some GP2 races. This season he is driving for DAMS.
Team boss Frederic Vasseur said: “Nicholas is a fast developing young talent who has competed in a diverse selection of championships in his short career to date. We are excited at the prospect of nurturing him into an F1 ready entity at such a dynamic time for the team.
“As well as contesting the GP2 Series – which is a perfect proving ground for new drivers – Nicholas will go through a programme with us to attain his Super Licence with a view to contesting at least one FP1 session this year. We’re proud to have him on board.”
“Being named test driver for the Renault Sport Formula One Team is something very special – an amazing opportunity. 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.”
Adam Cooper's F1 Blog 