Aussie star Oscar gets a run in a Renault

Aussie Oscar Piastri will be one of three Renault Sport Academy squad members enjoying a Formula 1 test drive next week.

Piastri, who claimed the 2020 F3 titles last month, will be rewarded for his success with a run in the Renault R.S.18 at the Bahrain International Circuit on October 30.

He will be joined by 2020 FIA Formula 2 race winners, Christian Lundgaard, Dane Christian and Guanyu Zhou.

All drivers were fitted up for their race seats this week.

The upcoming test in Bahrain showcases Renault DP World F1 Team’s continued commitment to the Academy as it readies its junior drivers for a Formula 1 race seat in the future.

Nineteen-year-old Christian, currently fourth in the FIA Formula 2 Drivers’ Championship with only two rounds remaining, will pilot day one of the test (29 October) marking his third time in a Formula 1 car.

Christian has so far won two races in his maiden F2 season.

Oscar will take over from Christian for day two (30 October) for his first-ever experience in a Formula 1 car.

The Australian joined the Academy earlier this year following his triumph in the 2019 Formula Renault Eurocup and sealed back to back titles with the F3 crown this season.

Rounding off the final two days of the test for the Academy (1-2 November) will be FIA Formula 2 driver, Guanyu Zhou. The Chinese driver is Renault DP World F1 Team’s Test Driver and currently sits eighth in the 2020 Drivers’ standings with one win and five podiums this year.

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

“Obviously, it will be my first test in a Formula 1 car, so it will definitely be a moment to cherish and remember for a very long time.

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“It’s not every day that you get the opportunity to drive an F1 car, so I am very grateful to the team 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 and 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 track.”