Canadian race driver Nicholas Latifi has joined Renault as test driver with a long-term development programme.

Latifi, who will also race in the GP2 Series in 2016 with DAMS, will be put through a test schedule to enable him to gain his Super Licence with a view to participating in at least one Free Practice [FP1] session during the course of this year's Formula 1 season.

"Nicholas is a fast developing young talent who has competed in a diverse selection of championships in his short career to date," said Frédéric Vasseur, Renault Sport Racing, Racing Director. "We are excited at the prospect of nurturing him into a Formula 1 ready entity at such a dynamic time for the team. As well as contesting the GP2 Series – which is a perfect proving ground for new drivers – Nicholas will go through a programme with us to attain his Super Licence with a view to contesting at least one FP1 session this year. We're proud to have him on board."

"Being named test driver for the Renault Sport Formula One Team is something very special," added Latifi, "an amazing opportunity. There's a lot of history behind the Renault name in F1, so to be a part of that, and get the chance to learn from them and gain expertise in a full factory team, is really going to help my development.

"My dream has always been to reach Formula One, and there's a lot of hard work still to do, but this is another step towards me fulfilling my potential and earning my place on the grid.

"F1 is totally unlike any other category of motorsport, so being immersed in that environment I'll be a bit like a sponge - absorbing as much information as possible. Hopefully, I can apply a lot of what I learn to my racing in GP2 this season."