Manor confirms King, Haryanto for Abu Dhabi test

Alongside his Racing Engineering GP2 commitments, King has spent this year as a development driver for Manor, and will get his first taste of Formula 1 machinery when he drives the team's MR03B on 1 December.

The Brit currently lies 12th in the GP2 standings, with a best finish of second place at Spa.

"The European rounds of GP2 Series mirrored the F1 races, so it was very easy to combine my racing commitments with spending time shadowing the Manor drivers and engineers," said King.

"In Austin and Mexico I was able to fully immerse myself in the F1 environment and I’m learning about how things work on and off the race track.

"Naturally, what I’ve been looking forward to most is the chance to drive the MR03B, and I can’t wait to bring everything I’ve learned together in Abu Dhabi next week.”

Campos driver Haryanto, meanwhile, lies fourth in the GP2 points with three wins to his credit, and has taken part in two previous tests with the team in its previous Virgin and Marussia guises in 2010 and 2012.

“I’m really looking forward to being back with the team at the Abu Dhabi test," said the Indonesian. "In many ways it is essentially the same team, although the car is quite different.

"I feel much better prepared for this test, and after a very competitive season in GP2, I can’t wait to show how much I have developed to become a more complete driver.”