Ex F1 Driver Sergey Sirotkin Called Up to Replace Quarantined F2 Driver

Earlier, there were reports that F2 driver Christian Lundgaard has been quarantined in light of the coronavirus epidemic. Now, the ART Grand Prix team have recruited Sergey Sirotkin to take the Renault junior driver’s place for the F2 test in Bahrain.

Lundgaard earned an F2 promotion earlier this year. Sadly, his debut is on ice for a while until this blows over. Apparently an outbreak stranded Lundgaard in a Tenerife hotel.

Luckily the virus has not struck Lundgaard. However, he has to be quarantined a little longer. So, the ART team approached Sirotkin to take over while Lundgaard completes the quarantine period.

The Russian driver is familiar with ART, having raced for them in 2016. He also made a one-off appearance replacing an injured Alexander Albon in 2017.

Sirotkin held a dual role as a McLaren and Renault reserve driver in 2019. Prior to that, he raced full-time for Williams F1 in 2018. Since then, he raced with SMP Racing in sportscars.

What did Sergey Sirotkin say about the move?

Speaking about his F2 role, Sirotkin said, “I am very pleased to receive such an offer from ART Grand Prix,. I admit, it was unexpected for me. I want to thank the team for choosing me among a large number of other drivers, and for its trust.”

He continued, “I will be very pleased to be back behind the wheel of a racing car, and I will try to do a good job and help develop the machine with the new tyres, and in accordance with the new regulations.”

Admittedly, the Russian driver will be hoping to get back to Formula One once again. However, with such stiff competition, he may find it difficult to find a berth. Fortunately, there is a plethora of chances for the Russian driver to extence his racing career.