Mar.23 (GMM) Virgin has signed up Sakon Yamamoto as a reserve driver.

The 28-year-old Japanese's deal is for Melbourne and the subsequent two grands prix, the Marussia-sponsored team announced on Wednesday.

Yamamoto has contested 21 grands prix since 2006 with Super Aguri and Spyker, and most recently with HRT last year.

"Sakon will spend the weekends observing the race drivers and attending all engineering meetings to ensure he is up to speed should there be an occasion where a last minute substitution is required," said Virgin team boss John Booth.

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