Sirotkin returns as Renault's reserve driver

Russian driver Sergey Sirotkin toiled with Williams last year and will now back up Renault stars Daniel Ricciardo and Nico Hulkenberg.

Sergey Sirotkin will return to Renault as a reserve driver.

Sergey Sirotkin will return to Renault as a reserve driver in 2019 after an unsuccessful season with Williams last year.

The Russian previously had the role as the third driver at Renault before leaving in 2017, taking the opportunity to race in Formula One with Williams. Yet Sirotkin earned just one point in a miserable campaign for the team.

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He is now back at Renault, behind Daniel Ricciardo and Nico Hulkenberg in the pecking order, while also driving in the World Endurance Championship with SMP Racing.

"I am very pleased to re-join my friends at Renault F1 Team and return to Formula 1," Sirotkin said.

"I spent the whole of 2017 in their factory and in the garage. It will be interesting to learn how far Renault has advanced in the development of the car over the past year."