Virgin signs Soucek as test driver

Date published : 23 Feb 2010 - 09:53:00

Formula 1 news Virgin signs Soucek as test driver23 February 2010Virgin Racing has confirmed that Formula 2 Champion Andy Soucek has been signed up as official test and reserve driver ahead of the team's maiden season in 2010. The Spaniard replaces Portugal's Álvaro Parente, who lost the seat due to sponsorship issues. Soucek claimed his Formula 2 title at home in SpainWith Parente' having lost funding for the role alongside Brazilian Luiz Razia, Soucek enjoys his first Formula 1 sign-up after testing for Williams in December's young driver session at Jerez, a reward for picking up his title in F2 last year.As well as providing development information, courtesy of simulator usage, Soucek will also remain on standby at all Grands Prix in order to cover for regular drivers Timo Glock and Lucas di Grassi, should the situation arise."I am thrilled to be joining Virgin Racing," commented the 24-year-old, who will continue racing in other series throughout the year. "This role offers me a great opportunity to prepare myself for the Formula 1 environment, which is naturally where my longer-term ambitions lie. Andy set a fastest time at the Jerez young driver test session"I look forward to learning from Timo and Lucas as well as soaking up as much information as possible from engineering meetings and time on the simulator. I would like to thank John Booth (Team Principal) and Nick Wirth (Technical Director) in particular for the faith they have shown in me at this stage in my career.""We are delighted to welcome Andy Soucek to Virgin Racing," added Booth. "He had a very good season in Formula 2 last year and a positive F1 test with Williams. He is certainly someone we have been keeping a close eye on, as we believe he has a great deal of potential. We expect him to be a real asset to our development programme with the VR-01 and at the same time he provides the experience we need, should he be required to deputise for one of the race drivers at short notice."Reaction: Soucek: I couldn't quite believe it