Marco Andretti, grandson of 1978 world champion Mario and son of former McLaren driver Michael, will drive a Formula One car for the first time when he tests with Honda next week, the team said on Friday.

The 19-year-old American will drive this season's RA106 grand prix car on the final day of testing this year in Jerez on December 15.

Andretti finished last season as 'Rookie of the Year' in the Honda-powered IndyCar series with Andretti Green Racing and was also runner-up in the Indy 500 by the second closest margin ever.

"I am thrilled that Honda has offered me this incredible opportunity," he said in a statement.

"As you would expect of any racing driver, when Honda offered me the chance to drive, I grabbed it with both hands -- no hesitation.

"I can only imagine what an awesome experience this is going to be and I'm just going to take my time and enjoy every moment," he added, looking forward to becoming the third generation of the Andretti family in Formula One.

Mario Andretti won 12 grands prix between 1971 and 1978 and took the title with Lotus while Michael, a former CART champion, had an unfortunate season with McLaren in 1993.