Renault has confirmed that a hydraulic problem, causing damage to the gearbox, was the reason for Sergey Sirotkin’s abortive practice run at the Russian Grand Prix.
Sirotkin, who conducted in-season testing in Bahrain last week, was entrusted with Nico Hülkenberg’s R.S.17 for the opening 90-minute practice session at the Sochi Autodrom.
It marked Sirotkin’s fourth appearance at an official practice session, following on from runs in Russia in 2014 (with Sauber) and in Russia and Brazil last year.
However, after completing an installation lap, Sirotkin stopped at the exit of Turn 2 shortly after emerging for his second run, and attempts to complete a power cycle proved unsuccessful.
Further checks determined that the gearbox had been damaged, requiring its replacement prior to the second session, ending Sirotkin’s run after just a few minutes in the car.
“That’s motor sport and it’s better to have an issue with the car in practice than in qualifying or the race,” he said.
“There’s not much I can say about today other than I was happy with the car at the Bahrain test and I was fully prepared to deliver everything required today.”
Sirotkin will return to the cockpit of the R.S.17 during practice for the next Grand Prix in Spain.
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