Rowland joins Renault as development driver

Renault have signed Oliver Rowland, a graduate of their academy programme, as their development driver for their 2017 Formula One campaign.

Rowland, who will also compete in the newly-named FIA Formula 2 championship, will be handed track opportunities as well as a full simulator programme.

"My aim has always been to get a role in Formula 1 so it's great to see all my hard work pay off," said the 24 year old Briton.

"The Renault Sport Academy was the perfect training ground and the role of Development Driver is another great step after being within the Renault family for so many years with Formula Renault 2.0 and 3.5 and then the Academy too.

"I learnt a lot last year including working at Enstone in the simulator, so I feel well prepared for this role. I'm proud to be part of the team and I'll be working hard to do everything I can to assist the team in their development of the R.S.17."

Cyril Abiteboul, managing director of Renault Sport Racing, added: "We know Oliver very well and we are very pleased to reward his work with this position with Renault Sport Formula One Team. Development Driver is an important position in a team and it is very interesting to have someone who already knows us well."

Rowland, also part of the BRDC Superstars programme, has won races in almost every junior category he has competed in. He claimed the Formula Renault 3.5 Championship crown in 2015, and took four podiums en route to ninth in the standings in the now-rebadged GP2 championship last year.