Jules Bianchi had a "positive" first impression of the Marussia MR02 after testing the car for the first time at Barcelona on Saturday.
Having lost out on the Force India drive on Thursday, 24 hours later Bianchi was confirmed as Marussia's second driver for this season.
The Frenchman will team up with Max Chilton and had his first taste of the team's car at the Circuit de Catalunya on Saturday.
Bianchi completed 74 laps with a best time of 1:24.028, which put him ahead of Caterham's Giedo van der Garde.
"It is very special for me, I would like to thank Marussia, the French Federation and Ferrari," said the 23-year-old.
"I am just really happy, I did my bes to learn everything and be ready for Australia.
"My first impressions are really positive, I felt really comfortable in the car which was good.
"Obviously we have some work to do but we know that and we will do our best to improve the car soon."
And although Bianchi's signing means Marussia will tackle this season with two rookie drivers, he believes his experience with Force India last season, during which he drove in nine Friday practices, will help his new team.
"It is useful for them because even as recently as last week I drove a Force India and last year I drove in practice," he said.
"I haven't done any races but I have some experience in Formula 1 so hopefully we can do a good job, even with two rookies."
