Virgin Racing team principal John Booth says his team is closing in on a deal to retain its current lineup for 2011, despite speculation linking GP2 front-runner Jerome D'Ambrosio to the squad.
Timo Glock already has a firm contract for next season, while there is an option on Lucas di Grassi that can be taken up. Although rumors in Monza suggested that D'Ambrosio had emerged as a leading contender to grab a seat alongside Glock, Booth has hinted that everything is on course for di Grassi to stay.
"Obviously, Timo is here next year, his contract is tight with both of us, and both of us are very happy with what is happening," said Booth about the driver situation for next year. "So Timo is 100 percent. We have an option on Lucas which looks pretty good as well, so in an ideal world we will keep the same drivers next year."
When asked if the speculation suggesting d'Ambrosio was in the frame was true, Booth said: "No. I've heard similar rumors as well, but it's that time of years for rumors. Jerome has been helping us out a little bit since [test driver] Andy Soucek left. All he has been doing is helping us out as a stand-by because he has a superlicense."