Virgin snap up Soucek as test driver

Virgin Racing have signed Formula Two champion Andy Soucek as their test and reserve driver ahead of their debut Formula One season.

The 24-year-old from Spain replaces Portuguese Alvaro Parente who lost the role after the Tourism Institute of Portugal backed out of a sponsorship deal.

Soucek will now deputise for drivers Timo Glock and Lucas di Grassi at all 19 grands prix this year.

Soucek said: "This role offers me a great opportunity to prepare myself for the Formula One environment, which is naturally where my longer-term ambitions lie.

"It is exciting and very motivating to be part of a new structure in such a challenging sport.

"I hope my experience can contribute a great deal to the development of the car and team in order to help us progress as quickly as possible."

Team principal John Booth remarked of Soucek: "He is certainly someone we have been keeping a close eye on as we believe he has a great deal of potential.

"He provides the experience we need should he be required to deputise for one of the race drivers at short notice."

Virgin snap up Soucek as test driver - Planet-F1 News from planet-f1.com

nice... we have to see if USF1 comes into play now