Marussia Carlin GP2 driver Max Chilton will make the step up to F1 machinery this week as he takes part in the Formula 1 Young Driver Test at Silverstone with the Marussia F1 Team.  Chilton has been a regular top ten runner in this years GP2 Series and currently lies fifth in the championship.

Chilton has prior experience of F1 machinery after driving the Force India car in Abu Dhabi in 2011 during the end of season Young Driver Test.

 Returning to the venue of the last GP2 event, Chilton will take to the Silverstone Grand Prix circuit this Thursday with the British racer completing the morning session in the 2012 MR-01 car before handing over to his Indonesian team mate for the afternoon.  Testing on the International Circuit on Friday Chilton will participate in the afternoon.

 John Booth, Team Principal of the Marussia F1 Team, commented: We are very pleased to provide Max with some further Formula 1 seat time and the opportunity to show more of his obvious potential. We have been very encouraged by his performance so far in GP2 this season. In terms of their programme, in addition to working with our race team engineers on procedures and controls, we will have plenty of new tyres meaning he will be able to work through some good qualifying and race runs and learn about the idiosyncrasies of the 2012 Pirelli rubber.

 21 year-old Chilton is looking forward to his first experience of the MR-01, Im really excited to be taking part in the Young Driver Test for Marussia F1 Team. I have driven an F1 car once before - the Force India in 2011 - but I feel that with another year of GP2 under my belt I am much better prepared this time and eager to demonstrate that progression. The team have come up with a great programme, which has a bit of everything we need to showcase our potential. I cant wait for the opportunity and thanks to the team, who have already been a great support to me in GP2 this season.

Click here for the Officia Max Chilton web site - designed and built by Racecar