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Nicholas Latifi will drive in Canadian Grand Prix first practice and at the first Formula 1 pre-season test as part of his Force India reserve and test driver role.
The Montreal Friday running, which will be the first time the 22-year-old Canadian has driven on a grand prix weekend, is one of a number of first practice sessions he will complete this year, alongside appearances in young driver tests.
“I’ve never raced or even driven at the track so this will be my first opportunity to experience an amazing circuit,” he said.
“I’m super-excited about driving the car in front of the Canadian fans and I’m sure it will be a highlight of the season.
“I will try and enjoy the moment, but I’m well aware that the priority is simply to work through the practice programme and give the team all the information they need.”
His first chance to drive the 2018 Force India will come later this month when he completes some mileage at the opening Barcelona test, which will be his second F1 outing after running for Renault in last summer’s Hugaroring test (pictured above)
“I’m really excited to be getting in the car so soon,” he said.
“I will be driving the last day of the first week, which is ideal because it will give me a few more days to observe how the team works and hear the feedback of Esteban [Ocon] and Sergio [Perez].
“I know that track time is critical early in the season so my goal is to make sure I give the team the best possible feedback and help with the car development.”
Latifi, who finished fifth in last season’s Formula 2 championship, will also complete an extensive programme in the simulator this year.