Team Lotus have appointed Karun Chandhok as their reserve driver for the 2011 season.
The 27-year-old, who raced the first half of last season with Hispania, will begin his duties at this weekend's season-opening Australian Grand Prix, where he will drive in Friday's first practice session.
"I've been talking to the team for quite a while about a role with them and I'm delighted we're now able to confirm that I will be driving for Team Lotus in 2011," said Chandhok.
"The details of exactly which sessions I will be in the car for are being worked out now and after having spent some time with them at the recent pre-season tests I can see exactly how passionate everyone in Team Lotus is about taking this team back to the top of the F1 grid.
"These are very exciting times for Team Lotus and it's a real honour to be able to play a part in helping shape this team's future."
Team boss Tony Fernandes showered the Indian in praise following the announcement.
"This is another great day for Team Lotus," he explained.
"Karun's appointment to our team gives us not only his immense driving talent and F1 experience, both of which will help us develop the car even further, but also brings one of the warmest, most professional personalities I have the pleasure of knowing into the Team Lotus family.
"I do not think it is going too far to say that Karun represents the future of motor racing - he is living proof that geography is no boundary to talent and ambition and that you will succeed if you work hard and keep dreaming."
Veteran drivers Jarno Trulli and Heikki Kovalainen have been retained as Lotus' race drivers for the season.
