Marussia hand Rossi race debut in Singapore

Marussia have announced that American racer Alexander Rossi will drive for them in five of the remaining seven races this season, starting with this weekend’s 2015 Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix.

The GP2 race winner will replace Roberto Merhi in Singapore, Japan, the United States, Mexico and Brazil, though the Spaniard - who has started 11 races this season - will retain his seat alongside Will Stevens in Russia and Abu Dhabi. Merhi will also join Fabio Leimer as an official reserve driver at the events in which he's not competing.

“I’m very thankful to race for the Manor Marussia F1 team and for their continued belief in me,” said Rossi, who has competed in five FP1 sessions for Caterham and Marussia since 2012.

“I’ve been prepared for this opportunity for quite a while now. Many will know from 2014 that the team and I already have a strong relationship and there’s a bit of unfinished business for me here.

“This is a small F1 team that has been through so much. They exemplify passion and true strength of character, and their comeback this season is extraordinary. I’m honoured to be part of this legacy and their continued growth and success.

“I want to thank the management at Manor Marussia F1 Team and my team in the GP2 Series, Racing Engineering, for supporting both my F1 duties and the completion of an already strong GP2 campaign. Since Monza, my return to F1 came together rather quickly and seamlessly. The collective support of both Manor and Racing Engineering was instrumental in making this opportunity possible.

“Singapore is a circuit I really enjoy and the timing of my debut could not be more perfect. There’s a lot of work ahead and I’m looking forward to a busy end to the 2015 season.”

Marussia team principal John Booth said Rossi’s appointment was made in the long-term interests of the team.

“We are delighted to sign Alexander as race driver,” he said. “He is widely-regarded as a driver who is on the cusp of an exciting F1 career and his current form in the GP2 Series has done much to reinforce his clear potential. With that in mind, we are pleased to support his current GP2 commitments while he continues to battle for the championship win, therefore he will race in five of the seven remaining Grands Prix this season, with Roberto contesting Russia and Abu Dhabi for us.

“Signing Alexander is a continuation of our proud record of providing young drivers with the opportunity to showcase their talents. We believe he will do a great job and look forward to seeing him race for the first time this weekend in Singapore. It is also fantastic news for the sport that it will have an American driver again, particularly with the United States Grand Prix on our horizon and now two races in South America, in Mexico and Brazil. I know Alexander is very excited about that and we look forward to providing him with the opportunity to show the American public what he can do.

“While Roberto is obviously disappointed, he understands that this decision is in the long-term interests of the team and we thank him for his professionalism. No decision has been made regarding our 2016 driver line-up and we will continue to evaluate our options during the remainder of the season.”

Rossi has taken two wins in 16 races in this year’s GP2 Series, and currently lies second to McLaren test driver Stoffel Vandoorne in the standings.

WATCH: Rossi arrives in the paddock