Pic to drive for Lotus in practice

Romain Grosjean will sit out first free practice for this weekend's Italian Grand Prix so that Lotus Formula 1 reserve Charles Pic can drive.

Ex-Caterham and Marussia racer Pic will be making his debut on a GP weekend for the squad, having joined Lotus as reserve driver for this season.

Frenchman Pic has previously driven the E22 at in-season tests at Barcelona and Silverstone. At Silverstone he tried the prototype 18-inch wheel rims developed by F1 tyre supplier Pirelli.

Pic joins a group of test and guest drivers including Force India's Daniel Juncadella, Sauber's Giedo van der Garde, and Caterham newcomer Roberto Merhi, who will all appear for their respective teams in this morning's free practice session before sitting out the rest of the Monza weekend.