Max Chilton will drive for Marussia during first practice in Abu Dhabi

Britain's Max Chilton will get his first taste of a Grand Prix weekend as a driver when he takes to the track during first practice in Abu Dhabi for Marussia.

Team Principal John Booth has played a part the junior careers of many drivers, including Paul di Resta and Lewis Hamilton, and is intrigued to learn how Chilton has progressed since driving at Silverstone. "We are delighted to provide this opportunity to Max in Abu Dhabi as it serves two important functions for us. First of all, in the position of Reserve Driver, Max needs to be as prepared as possible should he be required to substitute for either race driver in the remaining races of the 2012 season. "Secondly, as part of our ongoing assessment of the next generation of racing talent, we are interested to see how Max has progressed since we first put him in the car at our Young Driver Test at Silverstone in the summer. "Since that time, Max has impressed a great deal in the GP2 series, achieving two race wins in the latter part of the season, so at the same time as ensuring his preparedness for the Reserve Driver role, we are looking forward to comparing his driving development with his growing maturity outside of the car. "Of the four remaining Grand Prix venues we will visit this season, Abu Dhabi will impact least on Charles' race weekend preparation and it will be business as usual for him with effect from Friday afternoon."