Alexander Rossi has been a test driver for Caterham since 2012 © Sutton Images Enlarge

Caterham has confirmed Alexander Rossi will drive in the FP1 sessions at both the Canadian and United States Grand Prix.

Rossi, who currently drives for Caterham Racing in GP2, will get his first taste of the 2014 machinery on track after playing a key role in the team's simulator testing work this season. Rossi is targeting a full-time seat in F1 and is relishing the chance to get behind the wheel at the two events he tested at last season, plus the chance to compete at his home grand prix in Austin.

"Each time I step into F1 machinery there is an important job to do," Rossi said. "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 program combined with my F1 team Reserve Driver duties give me invaluable insight and experience for my future. I've built up a lot of hours in the F1 simulator already this year, but Montreal will be my first visit behind the wheel of the CT05 on track. I look forward to a positive runplan for both the Canadian and USA sessions."

Team principal Cyril Abiteboul says the team is excited to see Rossi get behind the wheel again.

"Alexander will be continuing his development with two more FP1 sessions for us in Canada and the USA," Abiteboul said. "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, both in terms of our season overall and with the strong support we have commercially in the North American continent."