Guanyu Zhou has moved one step closer to becoming Formula 1’s first ever Chinese racer, with Renault announcing that they have promoted the 20-year-old to the role of Test Driver for the 2020 campaign.

The Shanghai born racer - a development driver for Renault in 2019 - was F2’s highest placed rookie in 2019, making the step up from the now defunct European F3 Championship seamlessly.

While he is yet to win in the Championship, he sealed five podiums across the season, as well as taking pole at Silverstone.

Zhou on the road to F1?
Zhou on the road to F1?

“I’m looking forward to becoming the team’s Test Driver,” commented Zhou. “It’s another step up from being Development Driver in 2019.

“This year I have an even better opportunity, meaning working harder than before, getting as much information as possible for driving a Formula 1 car and, at the same time, improving the areas the team needs to work on to help them get better in the future.”