Latifi joins Force India as F1 reserve driver for 2018

Nicholas Latifi has been named as Force India's new Formula 1 reserve and test driver ahead of the 2018 season.

Latifi, 22, raced full-time in Formula 2 last year, taking a sprint race victory at Silverstone, and has enjoyed ties to Renault in the past as part of its junior programme.

The Canadian will now link up with Force India for the 2018 campaign as its appointed reserve and test driver, and is set to feature in a number of Friday F1 practice sessions and young driver tests.

"I’m really excited about the opportunity. 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 1," Latifi said.

"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."

Force India team owner Vijay Mallya 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 1."