Ӧstberg to get maiden practice run

Lopez have confirmed reserve driver Viktor Ӧstberg will be given his first opportunity to drive the 2017 car during practice at the Chinese V-Prix. He will take the place of James Harding who is currently being reviewed after his incident with Judson Sikes in Japan.

Ӧstberg last drove an FV car when Lopez gave him the 2016 machine during the YDT at Jerez in December. After 2 days of running, he ran a respectable 11th fastest overall in a car that dropped off the face of the earth after Harding snagged the team's first pole position in Round 3.

Ӧstberg revealed he was 'delighted and thankful for the team' after they chose to continue with him over Drake Davies going into 2017 as the sole remaining youth academy driver, while Davies now rides in IndyVirtual for Aggies Racing. It is expected Ӧstberg will get the opportunity to compete in practice at various races during the season.

Rumours did arise that Ӧstberg would race in Japan for Wagner after his crash in Malaysia, but the 2015 champion proved himself fit as he went on to finish 5th in the race, hence continuing his streak along with Carson Davenport, Tumo Kinnumen, and Adrien Simon as drivers who have competed in every race since the series began in 2013.