Sergey Sirotkin made his Formula 1 debut with Sauber after taking part in a demo on a section the new Russian street circuit in Sochi.
The 18-year-old is set to join Sauber’s line-up next year pending approval of his Super License. Whilst the short demo doesn’t go toward the necessary mileage needed for approval, it gave the Russian his first taste of F1 machinery.
Sirotkin described driving the C31 along a 700-metre section of completed track “a very special” moment in his career.
“These were my first metres in a Formula One car, which obviously is something very special, even though it was only a short part of the Sochi track,” he said. “Nevertheless I was able to gain a first impression, and this was awesome.
“It was fun to drive in front of such a big crowd, particularly because most of them were compatriots. Russia can be proud of this great track.”
Team principal Monisha Kaltenborn added: “We are proud to be part of this historic event – a Russian driver drives a Formula One car for the first time at the track in Sochi. The show run marks an important milestone in the lead up to the inaugural Russian Formula One Grand Prix, which our team is looking forward to.”
