Japanese Grand Prix: Will Stevens handed Marussia practice chance
Last updated on .From the section Formula 1
British driver Will Stevens will drive for Marussia in first practice at the Japanese Grand Prix on Friday.
The 23-year-old, who will drive Max Chilton's car, is set to be announced as reserve driver with Alexander Rossi.
Stevens, who races in the Formula Renault 3.5 series, drove in a test for Caterham at Silverstone in July but has since split with the team.
Chilton missed practice at the Belgian GP after a financial dispute with Marussia, which is not the case here.
He said: "Although Suzuka is one of those circuits where you like as much time in the car as possible, I feel confident that I've got the pace.
"Will is a good friend; I think I first karted against him in '99 and we still play golf together about once a month. It is difficult to get the testing mileage these days, and I am fully behind him."
