GP2 driver Nicholas Latifi has been announced as a test driver at the Renault F1 team, as part of a long-term development programme.
The Canadian racer will compete in the GP2 feeder series with DAMS, having previously took part in five rounds. It will be his first full season in the championship.
Following two full seasons of the FIA European Formula 3 Championship, with a best position in the standings of 10th in 2014, he raced in Formula Renault 3.5 last year for Arden alongside several GP2 outings.
Now Latifi steps up to an F1 role with Renault as a test driver, with a test schedule at the team to gain his super license. This is with a view of making at least one FP1 appearance in 2016.
"Being named test driver for the Renault F1 team is something very special – an amazing opportunity," he said.
"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 1, 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."
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