Kamui Kobayashi will return to the cockpit of the Caterham CT05 for this weekend's Italian Grand Prix, although he will not run in the first practice session with the team opting to give Roberto Merhi a run.

Kobayashi missed the Belgian Grand Prix after Caterham decided to give Andre Lotterer his Formula 1 debut, but the Japanese racer will return to a race seat for Monza, alongside Marcus Ericsson.

"I am working for Caterham and I always respect team decisions," said Kobayashi.

"Now I am back in the car and looking forward to going racing again! We have worked hard as a team and added performance to the car as well as bringing new updates since I last drove in Hungary before the summer break, so I’m looking forward to feeling the updates on track here in Monza."

Formula Renault 3.5 frontrunner Merhi will take Kobayashi's place in the first practice session.

"I am delighted to be taking part in my first ever Formula 1 Free Practice session and I want to thank Caterham for this opportunity – it’s something I’ve wanted for a very long time," said Merhi.

"I’ve been working very closely with the team during the last few weeks and I feel ready for this opportunity; Friday is going to be a very special day for me and one I will never forget. Monza is also one of my favourite tracks – I ended up on the podium there earlier this year during my first race of the season in the Formula Renault 3.5 championship, so it’s a circuit that will bring back very good memories."