Renault confirm Esteban Ocon, Daniel Ricciardo line up for 2020

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  • Esteban Ocon will join Renault next season after signing a two-year contract.

    The 22-year-old Frenchman, who has spent this year on the sidelines after he was dropped by Racing Point, replaces Nico Hulkenberg and will team up with Daniel Ricciardo in 2020.

    Ocon’s move to Renault was confirmed following Mercedes’ decision to retain Valtteri Bottas.

    Ocon, the Mercedes reserve driver, had been in contention to race alongside Lewis Hamilton before Bottas was kept on for a fourth consecutive year.

    “I am pleased that a team with big ambitions has entrusted me with the opportunity to once again demonstrate my skills at the highest level of F1,” said Ocon.

    “It is a responsibility I take very seriously. The confidence they have in me to help the progression of the team is a very positive pressure and I look forward to giving the best of myself.”

    Ocon began his career with Manor and then raced at Force India for two years before he was replaced by Lance Stroll following his fashion billionaire’s father Lawrence’s takeover of the team.

    Ocon, who has a best finish of fifth from his 50 race starts, had then been due to join Renault only for the move to fall through following Ricciardo’s surprise switch from Red Bull.

    Renault have struggled this season, and are sixth in the constructors’ standings ahead of the final nine rounds.

    Renault team principal Cyril Abiteboul said: “Over his F1 career Esteban has experienced the highs and lows of the sport, and fully understood the need to seize every possible chance.

    “Esteban has shown his ability to score points, has great professionalism on and off the track, plus his recent experience as reserve driver to the current world champions will be a valuable asset to the development of our entire team.”    

    Provided by Press Association Sport

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