Nicholas Latifi set for FP1 drive in Russia

Nicholas Latifi will take control of a Force India in FP1 next weekend. He will replace Sergio Perez during the session. Sochi practice will mark his third time in an F1 car this year after Candian and German practices.

Force India are yet to announce their 2019 driver line-up amid expectations that a change is coming. Latifi, 23, will also compete in the penultimate round of F2 in Russia.

Exciting Friday coming up in Sochi on the 28th. My third #F1 #FP1 session of the year with @ForceIndiaF1, then straight across to the #F2 paddock for Practice! Read more here: https://t.co/9PQXg2s3Ni #RussianGP pic.twitter.com/dzMmHdMgJi

— Nicholas Latifi (@NicholasLatifi) September 19, 2018

"It’s exciting to get another opportunity to take the wheel and to build experience of a Grand Prix weekend,” Latifi said on his own website.

"It’s important to keep learning and building on my F1 experience. This will be my third FP1, and with each one, I’m getting more and more comfortable in the car. My main goal is to do a good job for the team – to bring the car back in one piece with good data and feedback after some quality running."

The current development driver is placed 9th in the F2 championship.

Could Latifi be a serious contender to replace either Esteban Ocon or Sergio Perez? The current development driver is placed 9th in the F2 championship. Let us know what you think in the comments!