F1: Euro F3 champion Ocon to test 2012 Lotus

Formula 3 European champion Esteban Ocon will make his debut at the wheel of a Formula 1 car when he tests a two-year old Lotus later this month. The Frenchman, who beat Toro Rosso-bound Max Verstappen to the F3 title last weekend, will drive Kimi Raikkonen's 2012 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix-winning Lotus E20 at the Ricardo Tormo circuit in Valencia on Oct. 22-23 as part of a reward for winning the F3 championship.

Ocon, who is part of Lotus' junior setup, will also be carrying out a simulation programme at the team's Enstone base, ahead of what is likely to be an expanded role with the F1 team in the future.

"Esteban is a tremendous talent for the future," said team boss Gerard Lopez. "He has shown himself to be a superb driver as part of our junior program, we are proud of him and he truly deserves to be given every opportunity to take his career to the next level."

The 18-year-old admitted driving grand prix machinery would be a dream come true for him.

"I would like to thank Lotus and Gravity Management for this superb opportunity," Ocon said. "The support and back-up I have been given since 2011 has enabled me to win the Formula 3 championship against some strong competition and I can't wait to get started on the next step of my training.

"To drive a Formula 1 car has always been a dream of mine, so I can't wait to get started."