Max Chilton hopes for Friday practice outings this year with Marussia

The Briton, who takes on his new role from the next race in Japan, is hoping to get at least one run at a grand prix this year.

"There is no agreement as such, but I think there is a strong possibility I can have a go this year," Chilton told AUTOSPORT, amid speculation his first chance could come in Abu Dhabi.

"I've driven Abu Dhabi in an F1 car and that is the one I would love to do. I have done a lot of GP2 running there too, so that is the one where I would feel most comfortable, so hopefully I will get the chance. But nothing is agreed as yet."

Chilton is hoping that the experience he gains with Marussia this year, allied to his race-winning success in GP2, puts him in good stead for the step up to an F1 race seat in 2013.

"I think I am ready," he said. "This year I have really worked on everything.

"I have shown I have now improved my qualifying form, my race pace strategy has come on, so I think I am ready to race. It is now whether I get the chance to race."

Chilton says if a race chance was not possible he would be satisfied to take on a reserve role for a season.

"Being a reserve driver would not do me any harm, but as a racer I would like to get behind the wheel.

"I think there is a great feeling behind Marussia. They are a new team and they have got the biggest chance of progression. They now have some really good people behind the scenes but they also have the backing from the Russians, so there is definitely a chance they can get up there because the car next year sounds brilliant."