Racing Steps Foundation driver Oliver Rowland joins Renault Sport Academy

Oliver Rowland in his first full year of GP2 also joins the new Renault Sport Academy

Oliver Rowland, the reigning Formula Renault 3.5 champion is joining the new Renault Sport Academy with immediate effect.

Rowland, the 23 years-old race ace from Barnsley – the first Briton to win the FR3.5 title on the back of a record eight wins – has signed up with the Academy and will undergo a comprehensive immersion programme at Renault Sport Racing’s headquarters at Viry-Châtillon, France and Enstone in England.

The Renault Sport Academy aims to back and develop driving talent towards the ultimate goal of bringing new drivers into F1: providing fitness, education and mentoring programmes.

In parallel with his Renault Sport Academy role, Rowland supported by the Racing Steps Foundation will race in the GP2 championship, on the Formula 1 Grand Prix support-programme, with the Dutch, MP Motorsport squad for his first full year of GP2.

Oliver Rowland will be on the Formula 1 Grand Prix support-programme, for his first full year of GP2

The announcement takes him another step closer to realising his dream of becoming a full-time Formula 1 driver, he said, “I’m just thrilled to be able to share this news. Clearly it’s the kind of career move that every driver dreams of – but few get to realise.   In that respect I owe a huge debt of gratitude to Renault Sport and the Racing Steps Foundation for making this possible”.

Graham Sharp, founder of the Racing Steps Foundation, said: “We’re thrilled to have played a part in helping him along the way. Now it’s up to him to seize the opportunity with both hands and make the absolute most of it”.