Renault has confirmed that Jolyon Palmer will make way for reserve driver Sergey Sirotkin during the opening practice session for the Spanish Grand Prix.
Sirotkin’s run at his home event in Russia, in which he piloted Nico Hülkenberg’s R.S.17, came to a halt after just a handful of laps due to a gearbox shift valve issue.
Sirotkin has been handed another opportunity in practice on Friday, and this time will fill Palmer’s shoes for the opening 90-minute session at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
“There are a few very challenging high speed corners and as well a slow sector, in the final part, where the driver has to be careful not to overwork the Pirelli tyres, both on a flying lap and in the race distance,” said Sirotkin.
“Putting together these different elements, it is the most challenging circuit in the season, even if teams do go there a lot.
“I personally really like the track and naturally I’m looking forward to driving there.”
Sirotkin also participated in FP1 in Russia in 2014 and 2016, the former with Sauber, and again in Brazil last year.
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