Canadian Latifi to Drive FP1 Sessions For Force India in 2018

[Paul Jeffrey]

22-year-old Canadian Formula Two podium finisher Nicholas Latifi has signed to join Force India as Test and Reserve driver the 2018 season, securing a deal to drive several FP1 sessions for the British outfit.

Force India have something of an enviable reputation for nurturing young talent in Grand Prix racing these past few years, and the Silverstone based team are looking to continue that tradition with the signing of rising Formula Two star Nicholas Latifi for the upcoming season. Latifi, 22, has secured a deal to become the official test and reserve driver for the British squad in 2018 and as such will be expected to take part in both Young Driver tests and a number of Free Practice sessions during the course of the 2018 season.

Supporting regular drivers Esteban Ocon and Sergio Perez, Latifi is making his graduation to Formula One following three seasons in the now named FIA Formula Two championship, securing a victory and a further nine podium finishes on his way to a career best fifth overall in 2017, by far the most convincing season of open when racing for the Canadian since moving to Europe to contest the Italian Formula Three series back in 2012.

Previous a test driver for the Renault Sport Formula One team in 2016 and 2017, Latifi was understandably made up to secure a vital step on his way to a potential Formula One drive in the coming years. Speaking at the announcement earlier today, Latifi said:

“Sahara Force India is a team that has shown constant improvement for the last few years and I’m proud to become a part of one of the success stories of Formula One. I am eager to show the team what I can do and help them as they continue to close the gap to the front of the grid.”

Vijay Mallya, Force India’s team principal, added: “Nicholas joins us off the back of a strong season in F2 and strengthens our driver development programme. He will support our simulator programme and work with the team during a number of Friday practice sessions next year.

“We have a long track record of bringing on young talented drivers and Nicholas will learn a huge amount as he gets embedded in the team, and looks forward to a career in Formula One.”
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Pleased to see a Canadian secure a full time test role in Formula One? Do you think Latifi has what it takes to make the grade in Grand Prix racing? Let us know in the comments section below!

 

[CC]

Forget FP1 when he hears this new audio hell be going back to F2

 

[PhilS13]

The results moving up the ladder are less than convincing.

How much does a seat like that costs? Realistically? For a dude.

 

[oorjit07]

The results moving up the ladder are less than convincing.

How much does a seat like that costs? Realistically? For a dude.

He's nowhere near F1 level, but he probably just wants a couple of years experience driving an F1 car, and will move on to sports cars or Indycar. He's probably going to be a lot more useful to the team than Celis was though, so hopefully this is good for the team.

 

[wombat999]

"Formula Two podium finisher".