According to Spanish publication Marca, Alexander Rossi will replace Roberto Merhi at next week’s Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka.

The Spanish publication also reports Rossi will drive in place of Merhi during first practice in Singapore this weekend.

It is believed Rossi will bring much-needed financial backing whereas Merhi does not bring any.

Merhi is currently scheduled to participate in Thursday’s FIA drivers’ press conference alongside Bottas, Grosjean, Maldonado, Perez and Nasr.

The American has been linked with the two vacant Haas F1 drives, however, in recent weeks, the new team confirmed they would be looking for experienced drivers.

Rossi currently sits second in the GP2 series championship, behind McLaren protege Stoffel Vandoorne.

Rossi has participated in five Friday practice sessions since 2012. Four times for Caterham between 2012 and 2013, and once for Marussia at the 2014 Belgian Grand Prix.

It remains to be seen whether Rossi will replace Merhi, but currently there is no official confirmation from the team.