Lucas Di Grassi is reportedly close to Manor

The test driver and GP2 Series veteran, Lucas Di Grassi, is close to the new Virgin/Manor team according to Autosport. This information should be taken with caution as the rumors are based solely on a statement from Luca Di Grassi.

However, some sources indicate that Manor, which might be supported by Virgin in its first season, has had long discussions with the Brazilian driver about his commitment to the team. Nevertheless, Lucas Di Grassi demonstrates his loyalty to Renault by insisting that the French team would remain his first choice. He will also perform a test during the off-season this winter for Renault.

“The situation looks quite good,” says Di Grassi in the columns of *Autosport*. “My commitment is currently with Renault. There is still a seat to be filled, and my time with them has been very fruitful. Renault has helped me a lot, and therefore, I am linked with them.”

The Brazilian driver does not forget the other possibilities that may open up for him. “There are several teams that have told me they are interested, but it is difficult today to know which will be the best among them. We already know which teams will not be among the best, but we will have a better idea of each one’s competitiveness in a few weeks,” adds Di Grassi.

Lucas Di Grassi competed in GP2 for the past 4 years, winning 5 races and finishing as runner-up behind Timo Glock in 2007 even though the Brazilian didn’t participate in all the season’s races. In the last two seasons, he finished third in the championship each time. His name had been mentioned as a replacement for Nelson Piquet Jr, but the team preferred Romain Grosjean.

When Autosport asks him about his talks with Manor, Lucas Di Grassi remains reticent. Nevertheless, the Brazilian driver suggests that it is still the most likely option. “From what I understand, it is Manor that could offer the best package,” indicates Lucas Di Grassi. “Especially thanks to its technical staff, marketing service, and financial backing. I think it’s a very, very serious team and I rank it very high on my list.”

Di Grassi claims that his chances of being on the Formula One starting grids next season are a good 70%, adding this: “At the moment, it will depend on the next few weeks, after the end of the season, and then we will see.”

Although Lucas Di Grassi is on Renault’s long list of candidates, the team has stated, through Robert Kubica, that they want an experienced driver. The most likely candidates at the moment are Timo Glock and Adrian Sutil.