Fairuz Fauzy has parted company with the Lotus Formula 1 team and intends to return to full-time racing in 2011.
The 28-year-old Malaysian completed two test days for the team during the winter, and also participated in Friday morning practice for the Malaysian, British, German, Singapore and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix in his role as reserve driver.
A statement from Fauzy's Mofaz Racing organization, which ran as Junior Lotus in Formula Renault 3.5 this year, said that he had now been released from his Lotus deal.
"Just last week, Lotus Racing prematurely released Fairuz from what was supposed to be a five-year contract, a move some may see as a detriment to the team after the insight, experience and exposure Fairuz has gained over the last 12 months with Lotus Racing," said the statement.
The statement added that Fauzy had received approaches from elsewhere in F1, and intended to combine one of these deals with a racing program in another championship.
"In view of such developments as well, Fairuz has decided to contemplate other options and offers he has been receiving as of late from other Formula 1 teams, which also affords him the opportunity and flexibility to compete in other racing series at the same time."