Sergey Sirotkin retains Renault F1 development role for 2020

The Renault DP World F1 Team has confirmed Sergey Sirotkin will remain with the outfit in 2020 in his role as development and reserve driver.

The Russian racer re-joined Renault ahead of the 2019 campaign after a single season of F1 racing with the Williams team and will continue to hold the standby position for 2020 if either Daniel Ricciardo or Esteban Ocon are unavailable.

This will be the third year Sirotkin has played a development role with Renault having been added to its roster in 2017 prior to his race debut in 2018.

“It’s great to be back with Renault DP World F1 Team as Reserve Driver,” he said. “I know the team very well having been with them throughout the 2019 season.

“I understand the importance for a team to have a driver ready to fill in quickly should the opportunity arise, especially given the current situation the world is in. I’ve been keeping sharp and focused and I would be well prepared to race a Formula 1 car again. I’m looking forward to seeing my friends at Renault soon.”

“We’re pleased to welcome Sergey back to the team for this year,” added team boss Cyril Abitebioul. “Given the current circumstances we find ourselves in, we must have plans in place for any situation which might occur. We know Sergey very well and he, likewise, knows the team. We’re looking forward to welcoming Sergey this weekend in Austria.”

Sirotkin might be considered one of the contenders for a 2021 Renault F1 race drive after Daniel Ricciardo revealed he will exit the team for McLaren in next year.