Renault does not name a 3rd driver

Junior Driver Mercedes, but “loaned” by the star brand to the stable Renault Sport F1 Team, Esteban Ocon had taken on the role of third driver within the French team since the start of the season, returning as a full-fledged manufacturer in 2016.

Enough to allow the 19-year-old Norman to accumulate kilometers during several free practice sessions, including the last three EL1s in Great Britain, Hungary and Germany. An experience, coupled with that obtained at the wheel of the Mercedes W07 Hybrid at the private tests at Silverstone, which will be more than useful for the Grand Prix debut of the European champion of F3 2014 at the end of the month in Belgium with Manor Racing.

The tenure of Esteban Ocon alongside Pascal Wehrlein within Dave Ryan's team logically raised the question of the name of a new third driver at Renault Sport F1 Team. Especially since the pool of drivers within the Losange remains substantial, including Sergey Sirotkin and Oliver Rowland. “Regarding the 3rd pilot, we will not name another one, Renault finally indicated on his Twitter account …One of our lucky pilots already under contract will be called upon if needed. »