Renault reserve driver Jack Aitken will get behind the wheel of contemporary F1 machinery for the first time during next week’s in-season Barcelona test.
Formula 1 will stay on at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya for two days of post-Spanish Grand Prix running on Tuesday and Wednesday, with all 10 teams set to attend.
Aitken is scheduled to drive the R.S.18 on Wednesday, the Briton having previously sampled Renault’s 2012-spec E20 during private test days and demonstration runs.
Aitken joined Renault’s revived young driver scheme at the start of 2016 and last year finished runner-up to Mercedes-backed George Russell in GP3.
Aitken has stepped up to Formula 2 with ART Grand Prix this year and holds seventh place in the standings after the first two events, having scored his maiden podium in Azerbaijan.
“I'm delighted to be given the opportunity to test the R.S.18 for the first time, and I'm very grateful for this chance,” said Aitken.
“I've spoken briefly with the engineers and it sounds like I’ve got a full day ahead of me, I can't wait!
“I'll try my best to maximise the opportunity and help the team as much as I can.”
Aitken will be one of several Formula 2 drivers in action, with Russell (Force India), title leader Lando Norris (McLaren), Nicholas Latifi (Force India) and Sean Gelael (Toro Rosso) all set to test.
Regular Renault driver Carlos Sainz Jr. will conduct test duties in the R.S.18 on the opening day of the test next Tuesday.
