Romain Grosjean will drive for Renault in the first practice sessions of the final two races of the season.
The Swiss driver will be given the chance to press for a place as one of the team's main drivers for the 2012 season.
The 25-year-old has raced for Renault previously but he failed to impress during seven races in 2009.
"I'm sure that his feedback will be useful for the team, especially as he raced in F1 only two years ago," said Renault team boss Eric Boullier.
"Since then, he has improved in every area and I'm sure he will do a good job for us."
There are three other drivers thought to be under consideration for the two main driver roles next season - current race drivers Vitaly Petrov and Bruno Senna, as well as Robert Kubica.
Grosjean will drive the first practice sessions at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and the Brazilian Grand Prix.
