The Enstone-based Lotus Renault GP team have named Fairuz Fauzy as a reserve driver for the 2011 season.

The 28-year-old Malaysian joins the team with a wealth of motor sport experience, including significant Formula 1 mileage gained during practice sessions in 2010. He has also raced regularly in the GP2 Series, A1GP, and the World Series by Renault, where he finished as championship runner-up in 2009.

In addition to his Formula 1 duties, Fauzy will return to racing this year in the GP2 series with Super Nova Racing. His car will carry significant branding from Malaysian car manufacturer and Lotus Cars stakeholder, Proton.

Fauzy said: “I want to thank Lotus Renault GP for giving me this opportunity. It’s a real honour to be part of a top team that has achieved so much in the sport and it’s something any driver dreams about.

“It feels especially exciting because of the new partnership with Lotus and I’m very proud to be here at the start of a new era for the team. It’s also a great opportunity for me to improve as a driver and learn as much as I can about Formula 1 so that hopefully one day I can be on the grid myself.”