Charles Leclerc confirmed for four Sauber F1 practice run-outs

Sauber has confirmed that Formula 2 championship leader Charles Leclerc will feature in four Formula 1 practice sessions before the end of the season, starting next week in Malaysia.

Leclerc, 19, is part of Ferrari's young driver programme, and has been linked with a full-time seat at Sauber for 2018 as part of its tie-up with the Italian marque for power units next year.

Leclerc leads the F2 standings by 59 points and looks poised to sew up the title in Jerez, but will balance his racing commitments with FP1 appearances in Malaysia, the USA, Mexico and Brazil with Sauber.

"The Sauber F1 Team is pleased to confirm that Charles Leclerc will be in the cockpit of the Sauber C36-Ferrari during four free practice sessions ahead of the upcoming 2017 Formula One Grand Prix," a statement from Sauber reads.

"Leclerc, the current leader in this year’s F2 series, will be participating in FP1 sessions during the race weekends in Malaysia, US, Mexico and Brazil.

"At the Malaysian Grand Prix, Charles Leclerc will be driving the Sauber C36-Ferrari for the first time in FP1 on Friday at the Sepang International Circuit. Regular driver Marcus Ericsson will take over the car from FP2 onwards."