06.06.18
Nicholas Latifi is ready to make his Free Practice 1 (FP1) debut with the Sahara Force India F1 Team at this weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix.
The 22-year-old will drive the team’s VJM11 chassis in front of his home crowd on Friday morning. He will take to Montreal’s 4.36km Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve between 10.00 and 11.30 local time.
Nicholas prepared for his FP1 bow by taking part in Formula One’s in-season test at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya last month.
He completed 107 laps and clocked up almost 500 kilometres of running on the first day before helping Pirelli with the development of its F1 tyres range the following day.
With just under 48 hours to go, Nicholas is relishing the chance to drive a latest-specification F1 car on home soil for the first time.
“I attended the last two Grands Prix in Montreal, but I didn’t get to drive. I’m really excited – it’s a dream come true,” he said.
“I have no doubt that driving in FP1 at my home Grand Prix will be one of the biggest highlights of my year. As much as I will be looking to enjoy the opportunity, I know I am there to do a job for the team.
“I’m hoping to give them as much valuable feedback as possible to help push along the programme going into FP2.”
As soon as his Canadian Grand Prix weekend is over, Nicholas will return to Europe and continue his preparations for the fifth round of the FIA Formula 2 Championship at Le Castellet in France on 22-24 June.
Below is a profile video that the Sahara Force India F1 Team has produced in the build-up to this weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix.