No new reserve driver for Renault

Renault says it will not appoint an official replacement for Manor bound reserve driver Esteban Ocon.

Ocon has been called up to make his Formuka 1 race debut from the forthcoming Belgian grand prix and beyond, replacing Manor's out-of-funds Rio Haryanto.

"It is an outstanding opportunity for Esteban to gather mileage and race experience in a young, stable and very professional team," said Renault's Cyril Abiteboul.

Renault will clearly take the opportunity to assess Ocon's potential with a view to a race cockpit for 2017.

But what about 2016? Ocon was on loan from Mercedes as Renault's official reserve driver - so will the French marque now appoint a replacement?

"We won't be naming another third driver," Renault declared. "One of our lucky drivers already under contract will get the call if needed!"

Renault is referring to 20-year-old Canadian Nicholas Latifi, and the GP2 series leader and Russian Sergey Sirotkin.