Soucek set to land Virgin reserve role

Alvaro Parente has lost his role as Virgin Racing test and reserve driver according to numerous reports.

The 2007 World Series by Renault champion competed in the Superleague series last year and was announced Virgin’s third driver in December.

However, Parente was not present at the team’s launch earlier this month and has not tested the car amid rumours that his sponsorship programme with Portugal Tourism has failed to materialise.

Reports over the weekend now claim that defending Formula Two champion will be confirmed as the team’s test and reserve driver shortly.

Soucek tested with Williams in December as part of his prize for winning the inaugural F2 championship.