Latifi back in Williams F1 cockpit for French GP FP1 run

Formula 2 championship leader Nicholas Latifi will return to the cockpit of Williams’ 2019 Formula 1 car during opening practice for the French Grand Prix.

Latifi made the first of six planned FP1 appearances for the British squad at the Canadian Grand Prix in place of Robert Kubica, and he will take part in another practice run in France, this time deputising for reigning F2 champion George Russell.

The Canadian currently holds a one-point advantage ahead of Nyck de Vries in the 2019 F2 standings, with the latest round also taking place this weekend at Paul Ricard.

“I’m excited to continue my FP1 programme with the team in France coming off a successful weekend in Canada,” Latifi said.

“Montreal had a lot of positives and I’m looking to build on those experiences going into Le Castellet. It’s quite a different track with a lot less risk involved due to the nature of the circuit which will give me confidence to push a bit harder.

“It’s also a weekend where I will be mixing my F1 duties with an F2 race weekend, which poses a unique challenge. I’m more than up for it and looking forward to what will be a very busy weekend.”