Sirotkin, Wehrlein in line for Ferrari role

Sirotkin, Wehrlein in line for Ferrari role

Joas van Wingerden

Monday 10 December 2018 16:15

Sergey Sirotkin could be in line to keep his hand in Formula 1 by replacing fellow Russian Daniil Kvyat as Ferrari's simulator driver in 2019, while Sebastian Vettel has talked up his fellow German and friend Pascal Wehrlein for the role.

Sirotkin was dropped by Williams after scoring a solitary point in his debut F1 campaign.

The Russian was hampered by Williams producing a dreadful car, and his top-10 finish at the Italian GP was aided by Romain Grosjean's disqualification.

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Kvyat will race with Toro Rosso for a third time in 2019, having spent this year in a development role with the Scuderia, having been dropped by Red Bull in 2017.

And Sirotkin hopes a similar move can benefit him in the same way as he holds onto his F1 dream.

"Next week we will resolve this issue, especially if we set ourselves the goal of returning to Formula 1 in 2020," the Russian told Championat.

"That is potentially a very good place, because you embrace three teams at once – Haas, Sauber and Ferrari. It is a great option."

Robert Kubica was reportedly Ferrari's top target for the role, but he was selected ahead of Sirotkin on Williams' race squad alongside George Russell.

Wehrlein will compete in the fifth season of Formula E with Mahindra Racing, but could combine duties with a development role – something Vettel talked up.

"Maybe he'll be our simulator driver now," Vettel told Blick when asked about the former Mercedes junior driver.

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