Formula 1 team Caterham confirmed Friday that reserve driver Alexander Rossi will drive in the first two practice sessions this season at the Canadian and United States Grands Prix.
The American has been Caterham's reserve driver since 2012 in addition to his role as the team's primary simulator driver. The 22-year-old has completed multiple practice sessions and test days for the team since 2011 and Montreal and Austin will mark his first taste of 2014 machinery.
"Alexander will be continuing his development with two more practice sessions for us in Canada and the USA. While his focus this year is firmly on GP2 we are pleased to give him more opportunities to play an active role in the F1 team's race weekends and to have him help us develop our car at two races that are very important for us," team principal Cyril Abiteboul said.
Rossi thanked the team for the opportunities.
"Each time I step into F1 machinery, there is an important job to do. Montreal and Austin are important races for me and I want to thank Caterham for the opportunity to continue my development to a full time race seat in F1. My GP2 programme combined with my team reserve driver duties give me invaluable insight and experience for my future," said Rossi.