ROCHFORD-born racing driver Will Stevens will make his Formula One debut this weekend at the final race of the 2015 season.

Stevens, who lived in Hadleigh before moving to Surrey, will drive for the troubled Caterham team at Abu Dhabi.

He will replace Swedish driver Marcus Ericsson who terminated his contract with the Oxfordshire-based team, which is in administration after hitting financial problems.

Stevens tweeted: "So happy to be making my F1 debut this weekend in Abu Dhabi with Caterham F1. Many years hard work to get here so an amazing day for me!

"Just want to say thanks to everyone who has helped me along the way. I wouldn't be here without you! Especially my family."

Stevens, who was a pupil at Thorpe Hall School, was signed as a reserve driver for Marussia earlier in the season but will now partner Kamui Kobayashi at the Yas Marina.

Caterham are competing at the end of season showdown after competing a successful crowdfunding project and having F1 ringmaster Bernie Ecclestone waive freight costs and charter a plane to get team staff to Abu Dhabi.

Stevens enjoyed a successful karting career before moving into single-seaters.

The 23-year-old driver is currently driving for Strakka Racing in the Formula Renault 3.5 Series and is sixth in the championship standings.