Kobayashi keeps Caterham F1 seat for Japanese GP, Merhi back in FP1

Kobayashi's participation has only been confirmed on a race-by-race basis since he was first moved aside in favour of Le Mans star Andre Lotterer at the Belgian GP in August.

The team announced that he would be in the cockpit for his home GP - in which he took his sole F1 podium with Sauber in 2012 - on Wednesday.

"I'm very excited to be back in front of all my Japanese fans and racing at Suzuka; I've been waiting for this race for over a year," said Kobayashi.

"The Japanese Grand Prix and Suzuka have always been very special for me: it's where I experienced my first F1 free practice sessions back in 2009 and where I also achieved my first ever Formula 1 podium finish in 2012.

"This year, I am able to come back to Suzuka thanks to the support I received from my fans.

"This means a lot to me and I would like to thank them all once again.

"I only have positive feelings going into this weekend. Unfortunately, this year I have to admit that I won't be fighting for a podium, but I will do my best to reward my fans with a strong performance in order to thank them for their enormous support."

Formula Renault 3.5 title contender Merhi is among the candidates for Caterham race appearances during the remaining 2014 events.

He made his F1 debut with the team in free practice at Monza last month and will appear again on Friday morning at Suzuka.

"I want to thank the team for this opportunity - after my first outing a month ago in Italy, I am now looking forward to another 90 minutes in the car," said Merhi.

"I will not be starting from zero like last time, so I will be able to get up to speed quicker.

"I have never driven in Japan, so I will need to learn the track at the same time as I continue to get used to the car, but it's a dream come true to be able to drive at such a special track like Suzuka."