Renault has confirmed that a hydraulic problem, causing damage to the gearbox, was the reason for Sergey Sirotkin’s abortive practice run at the Russian Grand Prix. Sirotkin, who conducted in-season testing in Bahrain last week, was entrusted with Nico Hülkenberg’s R.S.17 for the opening 90-minute practice session at the Sochi Autodrom. It marked Sirotkin’s fourth appearance at an official practice session, following on from runs in Russia in 2014 (with Sauber) and in Russia and Brazil last year. However, after completing an installation lap, Sirotkin stopped at the exit of Turn 2 shortly after emerging for his second run, and attempts to complete a power cycle...
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