Kamui Kobayashi will continue to race for Caterham at the Russian Grand Prix this weekend as his future at the team continues to hang in the balance.
The Japanese driver almost lost his seat in Belgium, but was reinstated at the last minute. He has then been confirmed on a race-by-race basis since.
The team has confirmed he will once again be in the car for the weekend, but Roberto Merhi will take part in the first practice session.
“Kamui didn’t have the best of luck at his home race, but at a new circuit like Sochi, where all drivers start the weekend on a level playing field as it’s a new track, he could definitely make the difference,” said team principal Manfredi Ravetto.
Kobayashi added: “It’s always extremely exciting to race at a new circuit – I had a chance to do a few laps of this new Russian circuit in Sochi with the Codemasters 2014 F1 Game in Suzuka last week and, even though it was a video game, it seemed like an interesting circuit because of its mix of corners, some of them very tight, and high speed sections.
“I am looking forward to driving there in real life. It will be an interesting challenge for us all and we will do our best. Our thoughts are also with Jules and his family at this difficult time.”
