SERGEY Sirotkin cannot wait to make his Formula 1 debut for Williams when he takes to the track in Melbourne this weekend.

The Russian signed for the Grove-based team during the winter, replacing Felipe Massa, who retired from the sport at the end of last season.

Sirotkin has raced in Formula 2 and 3 during his young career, as well as being Renault’s development driver in 2016.

The 22-year-old, who impressed in a number of tests for Williams last year, is relishing his big opportunity.

He said: “It’s the Australian Grand Prix – it’s my first race in Formula One, my first race with Williams, and my first race in Australia.

“It’s very exciting.

“I’m really looking forward to getting there, to start work and to get closer to the lights going out.

“I’m really looking forward to this challenge, to put more pressure on myself and to deliver.”

Williams admit they go into the first race with a sense of the unknown after limited track time during pre-season testing due to inclement weather in Barcelona.

Chief technical officer Paddy Lowe said: “There is always a state of tension around where everyone will end up pace-wise.

“The first qualifying session is the most interesting hour of the F1 season, where we get the first exam results following our year-long build up to put together the FW41.”

ALEX Lynn finished sixth in the latest round of the FIA Formula E Championship in Uruguay.

The Grove-based driver, who races for the DS Virgin Racing team, started third and, despite his car suffering an overheating issue, recorded his best result of the season at Punta del Este.

Mitch Evans overtook Lynn late on to finish fourth for the Grove-prepared Panasonic Jaguar Racing team.