Fauzy hopes Friday run leads to more

The Lotus reserve driver believes his participation in the opening session will be just as valuable than still being able to test during the season would have been.

"I know it's a bit difficult as we can't test, but if there's a chance to drive on Fridays, it's better than nothing," Fauzy told AUTOSPORT. "You're driving in a real situation, in a real weekend, in a Formula 1 environment.

"I think that's very important because at the end of the day you can measure where you are, and then you can improve. I hope I get the opportunity to do that at the coming races."

He is determined to be ready should he ever be required to substitute for race drivers Jarno Trulli and Heikki Kovalainen.

"This is my first opening for my career in Formula 1," Fauzy said. "I'll just keep myself prepared, and you never know if there will be a chance for me to drive in a race weekend."

The 27-year-old Malaysian added that driving in an official F1 session on home turf would be an incredible experience.

"To be [driving] at my home grand prix is a fantastic feeling for me," he said. "The last time I drove here was in A1GP, and also in GP2 Asia. So it's not like my first time in front of my home crowd. This is special because it's Formula 1. Tomorrow will be my special day, that's for sure.

"Lotus we know has a great heritage, and has had great drivers like Ayrton Senna. To be part of it is fantastic."