Russia's Markelov to drive Sainz's Renault in FP1

Sochi : Russia's Artem Markelov, a test and development driver for Renault, will replace Spaniard Carlos Sainz Jr during the first free practice session on Friday ahead of the Russian Grand Prix.

It will be Markelov's first official appearance as a Renault Formula One driver, and he said he was honoured to be able to show what he had learned, reports Efe.

Markelov will also participate this weekend in the second-last race of the FIA Formula 2 championship, in which he stands 5th in standings after wins in Bahrain, Monaco and Austria.