Virgin confirms reserve driver Andy Soucek

Virgin on Tuesday confirmed reports that Andy Soucek has been signed as the new British team’s reserve driver.

“We are pleased to have finalised our driver lineup and we look forward to having Andy alongside us in Barcelona later this week so he can spend some valuable familiarisation time with the team,” said boss John Booth.

A media statement said the 24-year-old Spaniard, who is the reigning F2 champion, will attend grands prix in 2010 and also “hone his racecraft in a variety of other motor racing series”.

Andy Soucek on Tuesday said he expects to drive Virgin’s new formula one car “very soon”.

The reigning F2 champion and Spaniard was earlier confirmed as the new British team’s reserve driver for 2010.

Spanish media sources said the 24-year-old will test the car at the final pre-season group test of the winter in Barcelona later this week.

However, while confirming that Soucek will be at the Circuit de Catalunya, Virgin said only that he will be in Spain for “some valuable familiarisation time with the team”.

Asked on Tuesday when he expects to drive the Cosworth powered VR-01, he answered: “I am not 100 per cent sure yet but it will be very soon.

“I will be with the team in Barcelona later this week and I cannot wait to get my first experience in the car.

“Having previously tested with Toyota and more recently with Williams it will be fantastic to drive another formula one car,” Soucek added.

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