Nicholas Latifi will participate in pre-season testing with Force India, and has confirmed he will run during practice for his home event in Canada, as part of his reserve programme.
Force India announced last month that 22-year-old Latifi would act as back-up to Sergio Perez and Esteban Ocon in 2018, and further details of his programme were revealed on Friday.
Latifi will pilot the VJM11 on the final day of the opening pre-season test at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya (March 1), while one of his planned FP1 outings will come at the Canadian Grand Prix.
Latifi, fifth in last year’s F2 championship, is set to continue in the category with DAMS this season.
"I’m really excited to be getting in the car so soon. I will be driving the last day of the first week, which is ideal because it will give me a few more days to observe how the team works and hear the feedback of Esteban and Sergio," said Latifi.
“I know that track time is critical early in the season so my goal is to make sure I give the team the best possible feedback and help with the car development.”
Latifi previously sampled Mercedes and Renault machinery during private sessions, and conducted running in the R.S.17 at last year’s mid-season Hungaroring test.
On his planned session at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Latifi said: "I've never raced or even driven at the track so this will be my first opportunity to experience an amazing track. I’m super excited about driving the car in front of the Canadian fans and I’m sure it will be a highlight of the season.
“I will try and enjoy the moment, but I’m well aware that the priority is simply to work through the practice programme and give the team all the information they need.”
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