Virgin plays down 2011 di Grassi exit talks

Virgin team boss John Booth has played down reports he is considering replacing Lucas di Grassi for the 2011 season.

Belgian reports have said GP2 driver Jerome d’Ambrosio, who is already working with Virgin as its new reserve driver, has been offered the seat with the British team if he can raise EUR 5 million.

"Obviously, Timo (Glock) will be with us next year, as stipulated in his contract, and we are delighted about that," Booth is quoted at Monza by France’s L’Equipe website.

"With Lucas we have an option and it looks good. In an ideal world we would keep our two drivers," he said.

As for the d’Ambrosio rumours, Booth answered: "Jerome has been helping us since (former reserve driver) Andy Soucek left us.

"But he is just giving as a hand at the moment because he has a super license," he added.