Austin (Texas), Nov 9 (IANS): American racing driver Alexander Rossi will drive for Caterham during first practice Friday ahead of the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) here.

The 22-year-old will become the first American to drive a Formula 1 car during an official race weekend at COTA. Rossi will replace Giedo van der Garde, who will return behind the wheel for the rest of the two practice sessions.

"I look forward to the US Grand Prix week starting. This is an important time in my career and another major step forward for me to drive FP1 in my home country in front of my own friends, family, supporters and fans. It means a lot to me that the team is giving me this opportunity while trusting me with the responsibility and I want thank everyone who's helped make this possible," said Rossi.

"It's going to be a very busy week but I'm totally prepared for it all. I've already driven COTA several times, including in a classic Grand Prix car, so I know the layout well but driving a current season F1 car is a bit different altogether and on Grand Prix weekend it's a very important responsibility, added Rossi, who has been a Caterham reserve driver since March 2012.

"With the amount of F1 testing I've already done over the last few years, I'm fully prepared to do the best job for the team. As it's an official practice session it's important that I help the team as much as possible to set the car up right for the rest of the weekend while for me, this is another chance to use the session to continue to learn, develop and progress towards the next step up to being the next full-time F1 driver."