Latifi continues FP1 Role for Williams

FIA Formula 2 Championship leader Nicholas Latifi will jump back into the cockpit of the Williams FW42 on Friday in Le Castellet, when he takes part in First Practice for the F1 team.

The Canadian took part in his home Grand Prix last weekend, when he replaced Robert Kubica in FP1 for Williams and he will once again take up practice duties for the British team, as part of his role as Reserve driver.

This time, the DAMS’ driver will replace last season’s F2 Champion George Russell in the session, and alongside Kubica, will be charged with race preparation work and testing new components on the FW42.

Latifi told Williams F1: “I’m excited to continue my FP1 programme with the team in France coming off a successful weekend in Canada. 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.”

Latifi currently leads the standings with 95-points, one ahead of ART Grand Prix’s Nyck De Vries. and will return to F2 action in Round 5 this weekend.