British Formula 1 racing team Williams Martini Racing is close to strike a deal with the Russian driver, Sergey Sirotkin, for the next season in 2018.
The final piece of puzzle was filled in by the 22-year-old, when he went for a test in Abu Dhabi where he proved to be a source worth investing.
Williams F1 team is ending its quest for a driver with Sirotkin selection and currently finalizing the terms of contract.
The team analyzed the test data of both drivers, Sergey Sirotkin and his rival Robert Kubica. The statistics weighed in on the Russian, who will reportedly cost about €15m (£13.3m).
Lance Stroll will be partnering the Sirotkin on the grid. Stroll, who is 19-year-old, has been on the track for only one season. The duos representing Williams will be the least experienced line-up on the grid.
Kubica, who had returned to F1 after surviving injuries of a fatal accident in February 2011, was thought to be joining F1 with Williams after seven years.
But the performance of the Pole was not persuasive, when he competed alongside Sirotkin for their car test in Abu Dhabi last year.
While the Kubica is half the budget of Sirotkin, his performance couldn’t intimidate the team’s interest. The team insisted that the decision is primarily performance based rather than the budget.
With no hindrance in-sight to the agreement, the announcement is not expected for the next 10 days. Sirotkin-William deal will be announced as soon as both parties finalizes the terms of contract.
Meanwhile, Sahara Force India F1 Team has signed Nicolas Latifi as their test and reserve driver for the next year F1 season.
The Canadian driver will be participating in Friday practice sessions as well as in the young driver tests for the team.
“I’m really excited about the opportunity,” said Latifi.
He added, “Sahara Force India is a team that has shown constant improvement for the last few years and I’m proud to become a part of one of the success stories of Formula One. I am eager to show the team what I can do and help them as they continue to close the gap to the front of the grid.”
The Toronto native had been affiliated with Williams and Renault for the similar role.
