MAX CHILTON will make his debut in Formula 1 next season after signing a deal with the Oxfordshire-based team, Marussia.
The 21-year-old from Reigate, who has been the team's incumbent reserve driver, has impressed in GP2 and as part of the Marussia F1 young driver programme this year, while he also did well during the free practice session at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix last month.
As such, he has now signed a deal that will see him become the fourth Briton on the grid for the 2013 season, joining five former world champions, including Jenson Button (McLaren), Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) and the current three-time champion, Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull).
Chilton will partner German driver Timo Glock at Marussia, in what is a fulfilment of a personal career dream for the Reigate youngster.
And Chilton took to Twitter to express his delight at the deal.
He said: "It's hard to put into words how I am feeling but I know I am full of energy and ready to give it my all next year in my first F1 season #F1. I need to thank @Marussia_F1Team for believing in my talent and giving me this great opportunity! Can't wait to get behind the wheel in Feb."
Following the announcement on Tuesday, Chilton was bombarded with messages of support and congratulations and he tweeted his thanks later that day.
"I also need to thank all of you for the kind congratulations messages! My phone doesn't know what has hit it & think it might go bang soon!" he said.
Meanwhile, team principal of the Marussia team, John Booth, said the potential Chilton has shown had been a key factor in his appointment, while he said the driver had developed and found his feet quickly in the F1 paddock.
He said: "We are delighted to welcome Max to the role of race driver with the Marussia F1 team for the 2013 season.
"First and foremost, he has shown himself to be extremely capable in the car.
"Most recently, in Abu Dhabi, he was put to the test in a competitive environment, which included providing him with an opportunity to demonstrate his outright pace and consistency over a single lap.
"We saw just how much he has progressed even since the Silverstone [Young Driver] test in the summer and through the succession of GP2 races thereafter, when he achieved two pole positions and two race wins."
Not only that, Booth said that Chilton had embedded himself within the team, thanks in no small part to being a "lively and affable character" that the team enjoys having around.
Chilton added that with pre-season testing just a few weeks away, his focus is now on preparing himself physically for the new season, while working with the technical team to help develop the car ahead of his debut season.
