Merhi took part in 13 F1 races with Marussia in the 2015 season, and then participated in the FIA World Endurance Championship's LMP2 class with Manor a year later.

Campos revealed earlier this year that it planned to field Merhi in Formula 2, and the Spaniard took part in the first pre-season test in Barcelona.

However, he was replaced by the team's GP3 driver Raoul Hyman for the second test, and Campos signed ex-GP2 and IndyCar driver Stefano Coletti for the season-opening Bahrain round.

The Monegasque driver was 16th and 15th in the two Bahrain races and looked set to continue in Barcelona, with the team releasing a preview that named Ralph Boschung and Coletti as its drivers.

However, Merhi confirmed to Motorsport.com late on Wednesday that he will replace Coletti for Barcelona, and stating he could continue in Monaco.

Merhi will therefore make his debut in the championship in Barcelona, as the 26-year-old Spaniard never raced in GP2 in the past.