Frijns to make Caterham debut in Sakhir

Caterham test and reserve driver Robert Frijns will make his first official Grand Prix weekend appearance this Friday when he takes part in opening practice in Bahrain. Frijns will also drive for the team in next week’s post-race test in Sakhir.

The 22-year-old Dutchman, a three-time Formula Renault 3.5 champion, tested for Caterham earlier this year in the pre-season sessions and has previous F1 experience with Sauber, for whom he drove in last year’s young driver test at Silverstone.

"I'm excited about being back in the car for my first FP1 of the 2014 season with Caterham, especially as I already have experience of the car at Bahrain from the day I did in the pre-season tests," said Frijns, who will take over Kamui Kobayashi's car.

"It'll be interesting to see how much progress we've made across the whole car since I last drove it, but my focus will be on helping the team prepare for the race weekend, something I know I can add value to, assuming we have a problem-free session!"

Frijn’s debut means there will be at least two men from the Netherlands appearing in FP1 in Bahrain, with compatriot - and former Caterham driver - Giedo van der Garde set for his first outing as Sauber’s 2014 test and reserve driver.