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Renault has confirmed that Esteban Ocon will officially join the team on December 2nd and take part in both post-season test days with the team.
Ocon will replace Nico Hulkenberg at the Enstone squad for the 2020 season, news that was confirmed almost three months ago.
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will take place on December 1st, capping off the 2019 season before a two-day test is held at the Yas Marina Circuit.
All ten teams will take part in the test, and Ocon will get a chance to drive the Renault R.S 19 for the first time ahead of his 2020 return to F1.
Ocon made his F1 debut in 2016 with Manor Racing, competing for half a season alongside Pascal Wehrlein, before the team folded at the end of the year.
After spending two years at Force India, Ocon was displaced from the team for the 2019 season by Lance Stroll, whose father took over the team after it fell into administration in 2018.
Ocon has worked as Mercedes' development and reserve driver for the 2019 campaign, having been part of the team since the 2015 season.
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Replies (3)
Login to replyajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
Glad he got released early. No reason not too. That's once again showing that Toto is not an asshole like other team managers...
Ram Samartha
Posts: 1,172
Yeah me too. I'm sure it was not easy to put him on the sidelines, but they need someone like Valtteri until Ocon is a bit more seasoned of a driver. I like that he knows how to get under VERs skin. Makes for some good tv and adds and edge to the racing. Toto gets a bad rap on this site but I have mucho respecto for him and what he has accomplished in his career. I had my doubts when Mercedes brought him on but he's done a stellar job. Maybe I just like him because he talks like Aah-node.
Ram Samartha
Posts: 1,172
I for one am happy he's going to be back in an F1 car again. My eye is on Alfa for next season. I've been a fan of Kimi since he was "the youngest driver to enter F1" at that time and have seen that when he joins a team they start fighting at the front after 2-3 years. If he can help Alfa do that next year it would be great for them. If he doesn't quit soon though he's going to be racing his own son! ;) Cant wait to see VER and LEC and Ocon mixing it up next year with the likes of Sainz, Ricciardo, and Ham and Vet.