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RENAULT CONFIRMS PIASTRI F1 TEST, TARGETS RACE DEBUT IN 2022

Renault confirms Oscar Piastri F1 test, targets 2022 race debut - Photo: Supplied

By Bruce Williams

Renault confirms Oscar Piastri F1 test, targets 2022 race debut - Photo: Supplied

Renault confirms Oscar Piastri F1 test, targets 2022 race debut – Photo: Supplied

Australian rising star Oscar Piastri will take another step towards the pinnacle of motorsport with Renault confirming he will complete his maiden Formula 1 test in Bahrain later this month.

By HEATH McALPINE

The recently crowned 2020 FIA Formula 3 Champion and a current member of the Renault Sport Academy, 19-year-old Piastri will complete a full-day of testing in the Renault R.S. 18 on October 30 as the French manufacturer readies its next generation of Formula 1 drivers.

Upon the announcement, Renault Sport Academy director Mia Sharizman made no secret of what Renault’s intention is for the Australian.

“For Oscar, in this case, what we expect for him is not just a taste of [Formula 1]. It is a reward, firstly, for winning the [F3] title but giving him a first day is already a plan for us for the next two years with the ultimate aim of driving in Formula 1 with us as a race driver,” Sharizman said.

“So, this is just the first day of many for him.”

“Oscar will be experiencing his first time in a Formula 1 car as a reward for winning the FIA Formula 3 title plus it is part of his continued progression in the Academy.

“The plan for the testing days often varies depending on experience, so Oscar’s day will be about getting him up to speed and familiar with the car.

“It’s a good opportunity for us to show the progression and level of achievement of the drivers in the Academy.”

A member of the Renault Sport Academy since winning the Formula Renault Eurocup Series in 2019, the Piastri is delighted to receive the opportunity as he prepares for his progression to the second-tier FIA Formula 2 Championship in 2021.

“It’s safe to say I am very excited to be driving the R.S.18 next week in Bahrain,” said Piastri.

“Obviously, it will be my first test in a Formula 1 car, so it will definitely be a moment to cherish and remember for a very long time.

“It’s not every day that you get the opportunity to drive an F1 car, so I am very grateful to the team for the opportunity. There will be lots to learn on the day, such as getting used to the power, downforce and braking of the car and it will all be a challenge, but I love tackling new ones.

“I drove the Bahrain circuit earlier this year when we did the FIA Formula 3 pre-season test, but I’ve obviously never lapped the circuit in an F1 car, so I can’t wait to get out on track.”

Also completing the Formula 2 test are fellow Renault Sport Academy drivers Christian Lundgaard and Guanyu Zhou, both currently compete in the FIA Formula 2 Championship.

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