Max Chilton is ready to give the drive of his life infront of Grand Prix teams this weekend.

The 18-year-old steps into the GP2 Asia Series for the first of eight races which could land him a drive in the main championship next season.

He will be one of two drivers at Abu Dhabi with the Barwa Addax Team - as a support race to the final F1 Grand Prix of the season -who believe the teenager is a hot prospect.

Team boss Alejandro Agag said despite his young age, Chilton has enormous potential.

"We feel this is the right step for him, not only in his development but his career.

"We are hopeful he can adapt to a class that is a genuine platform for drivers wanting to compete in Formula One."

The Reigate ace was, at 16, the youngest driver to compete in Formula Three, and finished fourth in this year's British F3 International championship.

After two wins in his last four races, and three podium finishes, Chilton admitted this is an important step in his career.

"I can't wait to get going now the team have given me a great opportunity to demonstrate what I can do in the higher categories," he added.

In testing this week he has impressed team engineers at the Yas Marina circuit.

After being dogged by bad luck at tests in Spain earlier this month due to mechanical problems, he has adapted well progressively improving his times.

The team said he had made a "very promising start" and his times were only bettered by drivers with considerably more experience at this level.

His team-mate will be Luiz Razia, who contested the main GP2 series last season winning a round at the Italian GP at Monza.