Max Verstappen: Teenager to drive in practice at Japanese Grand Prix

Max Verstappen will become the youngest driver in Formula 1 history next season when he races for Toro Rosso

Max Verstappen will become the youngest driver ever to take part in a grand prix weekend when he drives in first practice in Japan on Friday.

The Dutchman, who is 17 on Tuesday, is making his debut for the Toro Rosso team, for whom he will race in 2015.

He will drive Jean-Eric Vergne's car in preparation for next season when he replaces the French driver.

"To be already participating in a practice session is a dream come true," Verstappen said.

"It will be a very valuable experience, spending some time in the car and also getting used to working with everyone in the team, to prepare myself for next year.

"I am not going there to break any records, I just want to gain experience."

Suzuka is renowned as one of the toughest circuits in the world and is regarded as an extreme test for even the most experienced drivers.

Verstappen said he had spoken to his father, the former F1 driver Jos Verstappen, about the circuit and had been warned it is "not an easy track to start on".

Max Verstappen added: "I have spent one day driving this track on the simulator, which helps a bit, but it's no substitute for driving it for real.

Verstappen was the centre of media attention at the Belgian Grand Prix last month

"My first impression is that it's not an easy track and for example it looks hard to get the combination right in the first Esses.

"I have one and a half hours to drive there and I'm looking forward to doing a good job, for myself and for the team."

Verstappen has less than one year's experience in car racing but Red Bull, who use Toro Rosso as a junior team, say they have promoted him because he is a "once in a generation talent".

The company's motorsport adviser Helmut Marko compared Verstappen to the great three-time world champion Ayrton Senna in an interview last week.