Piastri is in F1 hot seat

Formula 3 champion tests for Renault at Bahrain

AUSTRALIAN teenager Oscar Pi astri has earned his first test of a Formula One car with Renault later this month.

In another boost to his Formula One ambitions, the 19-year-old will take part in the test with Renault Sport Academy drivers at Bahrain next week as a “reward” for winning the Formula 3 championship.

Piastri confirmed his status as Australia’s rising star of international motorsport after sealing the F3 title in a thrilling finale at the Tuscan Grand Prix last month, which is set to propel him to Formula 2 next year — the rung below Formula One.

The Melbourne racer will take part in the Formula One testing alongside fellow Renault Academy members and 2020 F2 race winners Christian Lundgaard and Guanya Zhou. Piastri, who is managed by Australian ninetime Formula One race winner Mark Webber, will take to the track on the second day of the four-day test on October 30.

“It’s safe to say I am very excited to be driving the R.S.18 next week in Bahrain ,” Pi astri said.

“Obviously, it will be my first test in a Formula One car, so it will definitely be a moment to cherish.

“It’s not every day that you get the opportunity to drive an F1 car, so I am grateful for the opportunity.

“There will be lots to learn on the day, such as getting used to the power, downforce and braking of the car. It will all be a challenge, but I love tackling new ones.

“I drove the Bahrain circuit earlier this year when we did the FIA Formula 3 pre-season test, but I’ve obviously never lapped the circuit in an F1 car, so I can’t wait to get out on the track.”