Manor signs Leimer as reserve driver

Leimer, who won the GP2 series championship in 2013, will join Manor at "selected races" to deputise for the race drivers in case they are unable to drive.

The 26-year-old Swiss competed in the World Endurance Championship last year and joined Super Formula before parting company with his team ahead of the start of the 2015 season.

"We're delighted to welcome Fabio to our team," said team boss John Booth. "We always keep a close eye on drivers competing in the feeder series and their potential for making the step up to Formula 1.

"Fabio has been on that radar for a number of years, so we're pleased to give him the opportunity to progress as he is a very talented driver and certainly deserving of this opportunity."

Manor said Leimer will drive its car in selected Friday practice sessions.

"I'm thrilled to be provided with this opportunity and I'd like to thank the Manor for the faith they have shown in my ability," he said.

"In particular I'm very excited to have the chance to drive the car in selected FP1s, but I am also looking forward to spending a lot of time trackside with the team, contributing my observations and experience in engineering situations and also learning about the team and a Formula 1 operation.

"It's a huge step for me and I can't wait to get started and hopefully reward the team's confidence in me."