CARLOS Sainz says he is excited to race for the Enstone-based Renault team for the first time at this weekend’s United States Grand Prix.

The Spaniard, who last month was announced as Jolyon Palmer’s replacement for 2018, will take to the wheel in Austin.

Sainz will drive for Renault in the remaining four races of the Formula 1 season after an early switch from Toro Rosso.

The 23-year-old, who sits ninth in the standings, is relishing the challenge.

He said: “I’m very excited to be joining the team and I hope to hit the ground running.

“We have some hard work ahead of us going into Austin with lots of things to learn.

“I’m going to give everything to be on the pace as soon as possible even though I know it can take a bit of time to adapt, but I’m confident we can do it.”

Teammate Nico Hulkenberg is hoping he and Sainz can end 2017 strongly.

He said: “I’m looking forward to working with Carlos.

“We need to finish off the season well together to help the team in the constructors’ standings.”