Renault has retained Sergey Sirotkin as its reserve driver for the 2020 Formula 1 season, and will be available as stand-in for Daniel Ricciardo or Esteban Ocon if required.
Sirotkin held the role for the team in 2017 and 2019, either side of a full season racing for Williams, and will be present at grands prix, starting this weekend in Austria.
Renault also has Chinese youngster Guan Yu Zhou as a reserve driver but the Formula 2 driver does not yet have the required points for a Super Licence.
“We’re pleased to welcome Sergey back to the team for this year,” said Renault boss Cyril Abiteboul.
“Given the current circumstances we find ourselves in, we must have plans in place for any situation which might occur.
“We know Sergey very well and he, likewise, knows the team. We’re looking forward to welcoming Sergey this weekend in Austria.”
A reserve driver could be drafted into action in the event of a regular race driver testing positive for coronavirus.
Mercedes has Stoffel Vandoorne and Esteban Gutierrez as reserves and as part of an arrangement for 2020 they will also be available to McLaren and Racing Point.
Alfa Romeo racer Antonio Giovinazzi is Ferrari’s reserve driver and thus could be called up, with Robert Kubica filling in for Giovinazzi, should such a situation arise.
Red Bull and AlphaTauri have Sebastien Buemi and Sergio Sette Camara, Haas has Pietro Fittipaldi and Louis Deletraz while Jack Aitken holds the role for Williams.
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