GP2 racer Latifi gets Renault F1 role, poised to make FP1 debut

Renault says Latifi, who will combine his duties with a campaign in GP2 with DAMS, has been given a "long-term development programme".

The 20-year-old completed a full season of Formula Renault 3.5 last year with Arden, finishing 11th having scored a best finish of fourth.

He also did a handful of races for MP Motorsport in GP2, on the back of two campaigns in European Formula 3.

"Nicholas is a fast developing young talent who has competed in a diverse selection of championships in his short career to date," said Renault racing director Frederic Vasseur.

"We are excited at the prospect of nurturing him into a Formula 1 ready entity at such a dynamic time for the team.

"As well as contesting the GP2 Series - which is a perfect proving ground for new drivers - Nicholas will go through a programme with us to attain his Super Licence with a view to contesting at least one FP1 session this year."

Latifi said: "There's a lot of history behind the Renault name in F1, so to be a part of that, and get the chance to learn from them and gain expertise in a full factory team, is really going to help my development.

"My dream has always been to reach Formula 1, and there's a lot of hard work still to do, but this is another step towards me fulfilling my potential and earning my place on the grid."

Latifi joins reserve driver Esteban Ocon, who is set for a series of free practice appearances in 2016, and race drivers Jolyon Palmer and Kevin Magnussen at Renault.