Sergey Sirotkin to make F1 debut for Sauber in Sochi demo

The 17-year-old Russian made his first visit to Sauber's Hinwil factory in order to familiarise himself with the team and have a seat fitting.

Sirotkin, who is yet to acquire a Super Licence, will make his run on September 27 at the Sochi circuit, which is still under construction but is due to host the inaugural Russian Grand Prix next year.

"We are proud to be doing the demo run next month," team principal Monisha Kaltenborn said

"It will be a historical moment when a Russian driver drives a Formula 1 car for the first time at the track in Sochi."

Sirotkin said his factory visit had brought home how close his dream of competing in F1 has become.

"My visit to the Sauber F1 Team headquarters was busy," he said.

"I learned a lot about the team and many other things. I had a seat fitting, met the engineers and learned about the car and what happens over a race weekend.

"I am happy because, if you had told me six months ago that one day I would visit this workshop and meet this team, I would have never believed you. It's great.

"The dream is so close to becoming reality now."