Markelov to debut in F1 practice in Russia

Formula 2 driver Artem Markelov will make his debut in an F1-car later this month, as the Russian will man a Renault car at his home race in Sochi for one of the practice sessions.

Markelov currently sits in fifth in the Formula 2 championship after ending runner-up last year behind Charles Leclerc. The 23-year-old has been in F2 since 2014, competing for Russian Time.

In the last two years, Renault also had a Russian manning their car in Sochi for a practice session as current Williams driver Sergey Sirotkin drove FP1 in both years.

“This is the best early birthday present I could get,” Markelov, who turns 24 on September tenth, told RaceFans.

“I am determined to make the most of this opportunity.

“Being part of Renault Sport Formula One Team has helped me as a racing driver so to be able to put these lessons into practice in Sochi is a tremendous honour.”

It won't be the first time in the Renault car for Markelov, as he already put a stint in during the two days of testing in Hungary in the days after the Grand Prix.