Ferrari reserve driver set to driver Bottas' car at Zandvoort

Ferrari reserve driver Robert Shwartzman is set to take over Valtteri Bottas car for the opening practice session at the Dutch Grand Prix, with the Finn resuming driving duties for the remainder of the weekend.

The Kick Sauber team is eager to get out of the blocks strongly for the second part of the season when the sport returns to action at this weekend's Dutch Grand Prix. The Hinwil-based outfit has noted that both Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu will now be equipped with the latest upgrades package, "with the focus on making strides towards the fight for points."

The Swiss team that is set to become Audi's works outfit in two years' time has revealed that Robert Shwartzman will take over Bottas' car for the opening practice session on Friday. The Russo-Israeli's drive will see Sauber complete one of the two mandatory young driver outings. Bottas will resume driving duties for the remainder of the weekend.

Expanding on the Zandvoort weekend, Alessandro Alunni Bravi, Team Representative, noted: "After a well-needed summer break, we're eager to return to the track at Zandvoort.

"The first half of the season has presented its challenges, and while our results have not met our expectations and ambitions, we remain fully committed to turning things around. Our team, both at the factory and trackside, continues working relentlessly to improve our car's performance, and with the upgrade package introduced in Hungary now on both cars, we’re hopeful about making progress.

"Zandvoort is a unique and demanding circuit, offering both challenges and opportunities, and we’re focused on making the most of them, especially as the weather may well play a part in the weekend.

"The energy from the Dutch fans is always incredible, and we’re determined to channel that into a strong performance as we enter the second half of the season with renewed focus and determination," concluded Bravi.