Renault test driver Sergey Sirotkin will participate in the opening practice session at the Russian Grand Prix for the third time in four years this weekend.
Sirotkin, 21, made his practice debut at the inaugural Sochi round in 2014 with Sauber, and returned to action last year after signing for Renault.
Sirotkin, who sampled the RS.17 during in-season testing in Bahrain last week, will replace Nico Hülkenberg during Friday morning’s opening 90-minute session.
“Obviously I’m very much looking forward to it,” said Sirotkin.
“I’ve learn so far this year that it’s not very easy to be at a race track but not in the car. Watching other drivers in action and competing is pretty frustrating as I want to be out there.
“I am learning a lot with the team and it is a positive and enjoyable process, just not as positive and enjoyable as racing itself.
“I’m here to do what the team tell me to do, so that’s my approach to FP1; if I have to do aero runs, that’s what I do. If I have to drive a qualifying simulation on Ultra Soft tyres, then that’s what I’ll do too!”
On driving in front of his home crowd, Sirotkin said: “I’m proud of being a Russian driver so to be in front of thousands of Russian fans is always going to be a highlight.
“That said, I would settle with being in the car anywhere! Of course, there will be a lot of attention in the press and media, and many people I know will be there – which is always nice – however my focus is fully on track.
“I’m there to do the best job possible and focus on the entire race weekend not just FP1 when I’m in the car."
Sirotkin finished third in the GP2 Series in both 2015 and 2016.
