Renault has confirmed another piece of the 2020 Formula 1 puzzle by announcing Esteban Ocon as their driver for next season.
The widely expected move comes after Mercedes decided to retain Valtteri Bottas for one more year rather than take on their French reserve driver.
Ocon is no stranger to Renault having previously worked as a development driver with the Enstone-based team and after a year on the sidelines, he can't wait to get back on track.
"First and foremost, I am very proud to become a Renault driver," he said.
"I have grown up at Enstone, starting with Lotus in 2010 and then with Renault. I am very attached to this team and everyone who works there; they are the ones who opened the doors of top-level motorsport for me.
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"Secondly, I am pleased that a team with big ambitions has entrusted me with the opportunity to once again demonstrate my skills at the highest level of F1. It is a responsibility I take very seriously.
"The confidence they have in me to help the progression of the team is a very positive pressure and I look forward to giving the best of myself."
His return comes after it was revealed the Renault board was reportedly keen to have a French driver back in their car, having made a verbal agreement to take Ocon for this season before Daniel Ricciardo came calling.
Now Esteban will team up with the Australian replacing Nico Hulkenberg, who is expected to join Haas but is also understood to be an Alfa Romeo target.
"We are very happy to work with Esteban for the next two seasons," Renault F1 chief Cyril Abiteboul said.
"Over his F1 career, Esteban has experienced the highs and lows of the sport and fully understood the need to seize every possible chance.
"In addition to lending his natural talent, Esteban’s aim will be to focus his natural energy and drive, both of which have been intensified by a year away from racing. It is then up to us to infuse them into the next phase of the team’s progress.
"He has shown his ability to score points, has great professionalism on and off the track, plus his recent experience as reserve driver to the current world champions will be a valuable asset to the development of our entire team."
Abiteboul concluded by paying tribute to Hulkenberg, who joined Renault in 2017.
"I wish to thank Nico for his phenomenal involvement and massive contribution to our progress over the past three seasons," he stated.
"When Nico decided to join us, the team was ninth. He brought us to fourth place last year and was classified seventh in the Drivers’ Championship.
"The imminent end of his contract made this decision a difficult one as Nico has been a pillar of this progress. The first part of this season has been more challenging, but I know we can count on him and deliver together throughout the second half of the year."
