Formula Two driver Artem Markelov will make his debut in an official Formula 1 practice session with Renault at the Russian Grand Prix later this month.
The 23-year-old, who is fifth in the F2 championship ahead of today’s feature race, will drive in first practice during his home event at Sochi.It will be the third year in a row Renault has run a local driver during practice for the Russian Grand Prix. Former test driver Sergey Sirotkin, who now races for Williams, drove for Renault in first practice in the 2016 and 2017 races.
Markelov has been racing in F2 (previously known as GP2) since 2014 for the Russian Time team. He finished runner-up to Charles Leclerc in the championship last year.
“This is the best early birthday present I could get,” said Markelov, who turns 24 on September 10th. “I am determined to make the most of this opportunity.
“Being part of Renault Sport Formula One Team has helped me as a racing driver so to be able to put these lessons into practice in Sochi is a tremendous honour.”
Markelov has already driven for the team this year when he tested their RS18 at the Hungaroring last month following the Hungarian Grand Prix.
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