Will Stevens insists Abu Dhabi GP Caterham F1 drive is worthwhile

Stevens was only given the green light for his grand prix debut on Thursday afternoon, when the paperwork relating to his mandatory F1 superlicence was approved by the FIA.

Although the deal - as well as Caterham's F1 return - came together late, he insists it is worthwhile.

The 23-year-old Formula Renault 3.5 graduate is sure having GP experience will make him more attractive to teams for 2015.

"Obviously teams want experience, there is nothing like it," said the Briton. "The people who have been in F1 for a long time can bring a lot to it, and if you can come in and do a good job that counts for everything.

"If I can do that, then I can be in a good place to get a good seat for next year.

"The backers I have behind me are a small group of people who are in for this race, and they want to be in F1 for next year.

"I am in a pretty good position, I just need to go out there and do a good job."

Stevens feels ready for his F1 chance, having most recently tested for Caterham at the post-British Grand Prix sessions, and believes his weekend can only be judged by how he fares against Kamui Kobayashi.

"In any team you drive for, in F1, your main competitor is your team-mate," he said. "If you look at the qualifying results for the last couple of meetings, it is pretty much in team order.

"It is a hard situation to come into, but I am learning from someone who has a lot of experience and we will see over the weekend how we get on."

NO SAFETY FEARS

Although Caterham's cars have been prepared for Abu Dhabi at the last minute, and spare parts are limited, Stevens insists he has no worries about potential breakages.

"Everything is fine and I feel comfortable going out there and pushing to the limit," he said.

"Everyone here wants the car to be safe. That is the number one priority not just here but at every single team.

"I am absolutely certain that there are no issues at all with the car or anything around it. As a team we know what we need to do to come here.

"It's a good opportunity for me - and a good opportunity for the team to show that they are back and want to continue in F1."