Honda to test Di Grassi in Spain

Di Grassi joined Renault in their development programme in 2004

Honda will give Renault's third driver Lucas Di Grassi the chance to test for them in Barcelona later this month.

The 24-year-old Brazilian will join the team for their first winter test at the Circuit de Catalunya on 17 November.

Honda plan to name their 2009 drivers before Christmas with both Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello out of contract at the end of the year.

As well as Di Grassi, the team will also give Bruno Senna, the nephew of F1 legend Ayrton, a test in Barcelona.

The team will run this season's RA108 car in Barcelona for three days as they begin their build-up to next season.

Di Grassi will take part in the test after being overlooked by Renault, who have stuck with drivers Fernando Alonso and Nelson Piquet Jnr for 2009.

"This is a very well-deserved opportunity for Lucas to prove his potential," said Honda team principal Ross Brawn.

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"After such an impressive performance in GP2 this season and during his testing responsibilities with Renault, we look forward to seeing Lucas in action and will take a keen interest in how he performs."

Di Grassi has raced in GP2, which has provided several drivers for F1 since its incarnation in 2005, for the last three seasons, finishing second in 2007 and third this season.

The Brazilian has also been part of Renault's development programme since 2004 and was the team's third driver in 2008 but is now keen to take the next step in his career.

"The next two weeks will be a very important stage in my development," said the 24-year-old.

"I will be spending a lot of time at the Honda factory before the test to speak with the engineers and learn as much as possible in advance of the test.

"I am very excited to have the opportunity of testing with Honda in Barcelona and look forward to proving myself to the team."

Honda are expected to keep faith with British driver Button next season despite another difficult campaign for the 28-year-old.

Button collected just three points whilst team-mate Barrichello claimed eight in a season marred by a lack of pace and reliability.

Barrichello has spoken of his desire to stay with Honda but the Brazilian is out of contract at the end of the year and at 36 is the oldest active driver in F1.