Max Chilton will line-up alongside Timo Glock at the Marussia F1 Team in 2013 after the outfit confirmed his promotion from reserve driver.
The British driver had widely been expected to secure the seat, a rumour which was further backed up by Marussia Motors president Nikolay Fomenko who let the slip the news last week.
The 21-year-old took part in Friday practice at the Abu Dhabi GP earlier this year and says that, along with his time at the team beforehand, it has given him invaluable experience for the year ahead.
“It’s hard to put into words how I’m feeling today, with the announcement that I will be racing for the Marussia F1 team in 2013,” said Chilton.
“It comes at the end of what has been a fantastic year for me, and those steps – my GP2 pole positions and wins, my performances in the F1 young driver test and in FP1 at Abu Dhabi – have given everyone the confidence in my ability to compete at the highest level of motor sport.
“I am very fortunate to have spent the last six races with the Marussia F1 team as reserve driver, which means that instead of a standing start, I am already up to speed and at ease with the people, the culture, the systems and of course, the 2012 package.”