Aitken gets Renault F1 reserve roleposted in F120 | 02 | 2018
SCOTS-KOREAN JACK AITKEN has been named as third and reserve driver for the Renault’s 2018 Formula 1 campaign. The 22-year-old, whose father is originally from Carstairs, is a member of the Renault Sport Academy. (Related: Scots dealer unveils new Renault look)
“It feels amazing to take up the role as third and reserve driver,” Aitken, who completed his second year in GP3 last season and will contest the 2018 GP2 Championship , said today at the team’s unveiling. German Nico Hulkenberg and Spain’s Carlos Sainz will again drive the team’s two race cars.
“It hasn’t quite processed yet, but I’m going to step up my involvement with the team quite a lot,” London-based Aitken, who retains a Scottish lilt in his accent, continued. “Over the first Barcelona test, it will start to feel real and sink in a little bit more.
“The role gives me an opportunity to be closer to Nico and Carlos and learn from them, as well as observing the race team, the engineers and how everything operates.
“Of course, if I’m required, I’d be happy to jump in the car, but I hope it’s all fine with Nico and Carlos. At the moment, it will be about continuing my development.”
Aitken, who drove a 2012 Lotus-built Renault F1 car last September as a reward for his 2017 GP3 campaign, was welcomed into the team by Renault managing director Cyril Abiteboul.
"Jack has been nurtured in the Renault Sport Academy so we've seen his development over the past couple of years," the Frenchman said.
"It is clear he's a talented young driver and he is ready for this opportunity. He has a full season ahead of him with racing in Formula 2 and fulfilling his Formula 1 commitments.
"He has the perfect environment to reach his targets and we are keen on seeing him in action."
Related: McLaren reveals new orange livery for F1
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Jim McGill