Plans for Marussia to run Renault 3.5 driver Will Stevens in FP1 at Suzuka fell through at the last minute when the Briton’s superlicence paperwork failed to come through in time.
However the team has confirmed that he is an official reserve driver and will complete some FP1 sessions later in the season.
Like fellow Marussia recruit Alex Rossi Stevens was previously with Caterham, and has tested at Abu Dhabi and Silverstone.
Team boss John Booth said: “Will is a driver we have been watching since he arrived in Formula Renault. We have admired his ability to learn quickly and compete in the thick of the action, so we are very pleased to add him to our roster of Official Reserve Drivers, which is now looking very strong indeed. It is great to be able to take such promising talents as Will and Alexander under our wing and help them progress to the next level. We look forward to seeing Will perform in the MR03, when I am sure he will demonstrate some further signs of his obvious potential.”
“I’m really thrilled to be given this opportunity by the Marussia F1 Team,” said Stevens. “They are a great team, with enormous potential, and I’m so happy to be joining them at this exciting time in their development. Off the back of my F1 tests with Caterham, I can’t wait to get my first taste of the MR03. I’m looking forward to rewarding their faith in me and to making a positive contribution to our progress in the 2014 championship, and beyond.”
Adam Cooper's F1 Blog 
No real loss I feel; his past record is hardly stellar.
Have to say though that listening to him on the interview today he is full of it and opinionated in spades.