Guanyu Zhou joins Renault as Development Driver
- Muhammad Humais
- Jan 22, 2019
- 2 min read
The 19-Year Old driver was a part of Ferrari Drivers Academy but parted ways with it in December 2018. He didn’t waste his time and signed up with Renault to be a part of their academy for 2019.
The highly rated Chinese driver finished 8th in European F3 for second successive year. Guanyu is preparing for debut season in F2 with UNI-Virtuosi, formerly known as Russian Time.
Zhou will combine his F2 duties with a Development Driver role at Renault. The Enstone based team announced on Tuesday that his role will include driving the team’s simulator and participating in engineering conferences.
The Chinese teenager says, “It’s a huge honour to join Renault Sport Racing as an Academy member and the Formula 1 Team’s Development Driver and I can’t wait to get started,”
“Renault has big ambitions – both for the Formula 1 team and the Academy – and that’s something which motivates me.
“I know the significance of Renault in China, so I’m especially proud to represent both Renaults, as a brand, and China in the racing world.“ said Zhuo.
Zhuo further asserted that racing in F2 was the next step of his career.
Formula 2 is the next step in my career.
The 19-Year old picked up two wins in F3 with Prema Theodore Racing as well as four podium finishes. Renault will be looking to develop the pupil as he eyes a potential F1 seat in years to come.
"It looks to be a competitive field of drivers and there is going to be a lot to learn in a short space of time."
“I’ve been working hard during the winter and the three-days Formula 2 testing in Abu Dhabi was hugely beneficial." commented the Chinese.
"I’m looking forward to drawing on Renault’s help and advice this season as I aim for success and trophies.”
Renault Sport Academy Director, Mia Sharizman said, “We’ve been monitoring Guanyu for some time and we’re very happy to sign him onto the young driver programme."
"In Guanyu, we have a hard-working, talented individual and we will be aiming to further develop him this season in the Formula 2 Championship.”
Chinese fans will be excited to see a Chinese driver in F1 in upcoming years. Zhou’s role as a development driver makes him the first Chinese driver to occupy a Formula One role with a manufacturer team.
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