Sergey Sirotkin will continue with the Renault Formula 1 team in 2017, having been named as its reserve driver, and is set for more runs during first practice sessions at Grands Prix.
The Russian was previously a test driver at Sauber before moving over to Renault at the start of the 2016 season in a development role.
He completed two FP1 runs last year, at Sochi and Interlagos, while also putting in laps with Renault at the Silverstone in-season test.
Sirotkin also finished third in the GP2 series in 2016 with two wins and three pole positions.
At the launch of Renault’s 2017 F1 car, Sirotkin was announced as the team’s reserve driver and managing director Cyril Abiteboul said to expect more FP1 outings from him.
"[For] Sergey, stability is important and we are happy to continue the development programme after a very good GP2 season," Abiteboul said.
“He will continue to focus on his development role as a reserve, he will have more opportunities to run in the car on Friday.
“His attention to detail and his appetite to be at the factory, looking at the simulator, his focus and his mentality, we’re happy to maintain at the team.”
Sirotkin added that he is targeting a full-time promotion to Formula 1 for 2018.
"I don’t think anyone would be surprised if I said that my main target for the 2018 season is to have a seat as a Formula 1 race driver and that’s what I’m working towards," he said.
"I’m here to learn and be an asset to the team as well as show that I am worthy of further opportunities."
