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Kamui Kobayashi is set to return to Caterham Formula 1 race duty for the Italian Grand Prix, with Roberto Merhi in line to participate in opening practice, AUTOSPORT understands.

Kobayashi sat out the Belgian GP to make way for three-time Le Mans 24 Hours winner Andre Lotterer.

Formula Renault 3.5 frontrunner Merhi was a contender to then take the seat alongside Marcus Ericsson but it is understood that the Spaniard was unable to get a superlicence.

Although Merhi was eligible for a licence after winning the 2011 European Formula 3 title, that allowance expired during his subsequent two-year stint in the DTM with Mercedes.

He is instead set to make his F1 debut in free practice one in Italy ahead of a potential first grand prix in Singapore.

With Caterham committing to Merhi's Friday morning run, Lotterer was believed to be reluctant to race unless he could participate in all the sessions.

Kobayashi, who Caterham maintained was still part of its line-up when it sidelined him for Spa, will therefore return to the cockpit for at least one more race.