Russian driver Sirotkin joins Renault F1 team as test driver

PARIS (AP) — Russian driver Sergey Sirotkin has joined the Renault Formula One team as a test driver and will participate in practice at the upcoming Russian Grand Prix.

Renault made the announcement on Tuesday.

The 20-year-old Sirotkin will replace Danish driver Kevin Magnussen in the R.S.16 car on Friday at the Sochi track ahead of Sunday's race.

Sirotkin, who had a brief spell as a development driver for Sauber in 2014, says, "I am determined to learn as much as I can, as quickly as I can."

Sirotkin is also competing in the GP2 series this season, winning one race so far, and finishing third last year.

Renault says he is joining with the view to "a long-term development plan" without elaborating.