McLaren has named Nobuharu Matsushita as its test and development driver.
Japanese diver Matsushita will join the Honda-powered squad and "focus on simulator support and engineering work" alongside senior drivers Fernando Alonso and Jenson Button, as well as reserve driver Stoffel Vandoorne. Along with his McLaren duties his will compete for another season in GP2 at ART.
Matsushita, who won the 2014 All-Japan Formula Three title, drove alongside Vandoorne for ART last year as the Belgian drove to the GP2 title. However, he could not match Vandoorne's form over the season and claimed one victory on route to finishing ninth in the championship.
"This season I am ecstatic to be joining the McLaren-Honda F1 team as a test and development driver," Matsushita said. "To step into the world of Formula One fulfils a boyhood dream, and is a huge step forward in my career. I will do the utmost to help the race team on the track, by gathering data to feed back into the development and set-up of the car through simulator work.
"Last year's GP2 Series season was a steep learning curve for me," he added. "It was my first year racing in Europe - but, thankfully, my experiences with Honda's young driver programme meant I was well prepared for the task ahead. As a GP2 Series driver, my sole focus for 2016 is to win the championship. I believe that I have the best package around me to succeed and reach my ultimate goal of becoming a Formula 1 driver."
McLaren racing director Eric Boullier said: "Nobu's first season racing in Europe showed great promise - he produced some extremely impressive performances, and with experience and consistency, will surely build on that potential in 2016. His position as a McLaren-Honda test and development driver will be extremely important - he'll underline and corroborate the learning we acquire at the track, and will play a key role in improving our performance throughout 2016."