Soucek steps up for Virgin drive

Andy Soucek will replace Alvaro Parente as Virgin Racing's reserve driver after the Portuguese lost financial backing (GETTY IMAGES)

Virgin Racing have signed Formula Two champion Andy Soucek as their test and reserve driver ahead of their debut F1 season.

The 24-year-old from Spain replaces the 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. 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."