Andy Soucek is thrilled to have been confirmed as Virgin Racing's official test and reserve driver on Tuesday. Having picked up the Formula 2 crown last year, the Spaniard was rewarded with a Williams test at Jerez last December and now replaces Álvaro Parente, who lost the Virgin seat due to funding problems.
With a key sponsor of Parente having failed to carry out its promises for the team formerly known as Manor GP, Soucek inherits the role alongside Brazil's Luiz Razia after comfortably picking up the crown in the inaugural season of the new-look F2 championship last year.
"It feels great," the 24-year-old from Madrid told the official F2 website. "I couldn't quite believe it, even as I was signing the contract. To have joined a Formula 1 team and knowing that I could be competing in Grands Prix if I am required is a fantastic feeling.
"It will be a difficult job but I know that I will learn a lot in preparation for racing in F1. One of the key aspects that excited me about this project is that I will be heavily involved with the team from the outset. I will get to use the simulator, I will be at every test and Grand Prix and I will be in every meeting between the drivers and engineers, so I will be a real member of the team."
Andy also looks forward to testing the Cosworth-powered car for the first time, despite not knowing when at present. "I am not 100 percent sure yet but it will be very soon," he explained. "I will be with the team in Barcelona later this week and 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 1 car."
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