Renault Sport Racing confirms upcoming Chinese driver Ye Yifei as the latest Renault Sport Academy recruit. The announcement was confirmed at the Shanghai International Circuit in a media and VIP event on the eve of the Chinese Grand Prix weekend.

The 18-year-old, who hails from Xian, China, has proved himself to be one of the most promising stars of the junior categories. Yifei started karting aged ten, taking two national titles. Aged just 14, he made the move to Europe and single-seaters. In 2016 Yifei became the first Chinese driver to win an international title when he conquered the French F4 championship with 14 wins, 17 fastest laps and 10 pole positions.

More records followed in 2017 with a move to the Formula Renault Eurocup championship and Formula Renault NEC. In 2018 Yifei finished third in the Eurocup, taking two wins, 10 podiums, one pole position and three fastest laps.

Yifei will join compatriot Guanyu Zhou in the Renault Sport Academy. This further demonstrates that Renault believes in the future of motorsport in China and is determined to scout, support and train promising Chinese talents to reach Formula 1, a dream nurtured by 1.4 billion Chinese people.

The 2019 Renault Sport Academy intake also includes Frenchmen Anthoine Hubert and Victor Martins, Danish racer Christian Lundgaard, Brit Max Fewtrell and Brazilian Caio Collet.

In 2019 Yifei will race for Hitech GP in the FIA Formula 3 Championship.

Cyril Abiteboul, managing director of Renault Sport Racing, commented:

“We have been watching Ye Yifei for some time. He has impressed us with his results in all categories, plus his ability to integrate into any racing or cultural environment. For us, his future is promising and we are looking forward to guiding the next stages of his career as he continues his progress through the ranks. We are also pleased to be able to further promote Chinese interests in motorsport along with our partner Renault China and DRAC.”

Ye Yifei added: