GreenBkk Formula 1 | Fairuz Fauzy to become Renault reserve

Fairuz Fauzy to become Renault reserve

The Group Lotus-backed Renault team have announced Fairuz Fauzy is to join as a reserve driver for the 2011 season. Fauzy, who ran in several practice sessions for rivals Lotus Racing in 2010, will combine his new role, alongside Renault racers Robert Kubica and Vitaly Petrov, with a GP2 drive.

“I want to thank Lotus Renault GP for giving me this opportunity,” Fauzy said. “It’s a real honour to be part of a top team that has achieved so much in the sport and it’s something any driver dreams about.

"It’s feels especially exciting because of the new partnership with Lotus and I’m very proud to be here at the start of a new era for the team. It’s also a great opportunity for me to improve as a driver and learn as much as I can about Formula One so that hopefully one day I can be on the grid myself.”

The 28 year-old Malaysian was a test driver for the Spyker squad back in 2007. Since then he has competed in GP2, the World Series by Renault, and A1GP. As Lotus’s reserve in 2010, he racked up laps during five Friday practice sessions, covering over 450 kilometres behind the wheel of the T127.

As part as his new deal with Renault, Fauzy will join the new LRGP Academy, which aims to prepare young talents for the demands of Formula One racing. As a member of the programme, he will take part in development work for the team, have the opportunity to gain further F1 experience in the 2009-spec R29, undergo media training and attend fitness camps.

Renault expect to induct several other young drivers into the programme during 2011 to complete their reserve driver line-up.

Credit: Formula One Administration Ltd (www.formula1.com)