Renault test and development driver Artem Markelov will make his Grand Prix weekend debut on home soil in Russia later this month.
Markelov joined Renault’s set-up at the start of this year and had private outings in a 2016-spec car prior to sampling current-year machinery during the in-season Hungary test.
Markelov is in his fifth year of Formula 2/GP2 and last season finished runner-up to now-Sauber racer Charles Leclerc.
The Russian holds fifth in this season’s standings with three victories to his name.
Markelov will replace Carlos Sainz Jr. for the opening 90-minute session at the Sochi Autodrom.
“We are happy to give Artem this opportunity behind the wheel of the Renault R.S.18 at his home Grand Prix,” said Renault boss Cyril Abiteboul.
“Artem has shown on and off track this year that he is a valuable team member.
“Artem was able to prove at the in-season test in Budapest that he deserved this opportunity and we are looking forward to seeing him in action for FP1 at Sochi.”
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