Devaney to race in Shanghai

Former Jordan F1 driver Firman is unable to race in the finale due to testing commitments with Aguri Suzuki's ARTA Honda NSX team in the Japanese Super GT championship.

Devaney, Ireland's 21-year-old reserve driver, has raced twice this season when Firman was unavailable, finishing fourth in Eastern Creek's Feature race last November.

"Obviously will do my best to get points scoring finishes in both races and a podium if the opportunity arises," Devaney said.

"I'm also grateful to Ralph for being a great inspiration and mentor during the season. I have learned an enormous amount from being present at with the team at events."

A1 Team Ireland team principal Mark Gallagher is hopeful that Devaney will help his team win the six-car battle for fourth place in the final championship standings.

"We are extremely lucky to have someone as capable as Michael to step in and I know Irish fans everywhere will be keeping everything crossed for him on Sunday," Gallagher said.

"We are nine points adrift of fourth place in the championship, and if the team can deliver a reliable car and good performance in Sunday's pit stop we are confident Michael can deliver the goods."