Kevin Magnussen backs Friday outings for Esteban Ocon

Kevin Magnussen has backed Renault's decision to give new third driver Esteban Ocon some Friday practice outings in 2016.

Ocon, the 19-year-old reigning GP3 champion, is 'on loan' to Renault from Mercedes's junior programme, with Magnussen confirming that he and Jolyon Palmer will have to make way in some Friday practice sessions later this year.

"It is not decided yet [which sessions Ocon will do] but basically it's cool that Renault gives a young and good driver like Ocon a chance," Magnussen is quoted as saying by newspaper BT.

He told another Danish publication, Ekstra Bladet: "I think you have to earn your chances in Formula 1, and Ocon has done that."

2016 could be a difficult season for Renault, with Magnussen admitting: "There are two things that are essential in Formula 1 - downforce and power - and we are lagging behind in both."