Soucek set to be Virgin reserve driver (UPDATE)

Andy Soucek is set to sign as the new British team Virgin's 2010 reserve driver.

The reigning F2 champion, who is 24, said last week: "I think to be third driver is a job I deserve, and I do not have to pay for it. I'm interested in that."

The Spanish sports daily AS said Soucek decided to look more closely at Virgin's offer because he "was tired of waiting for Campos".

"Andy had no confidence in being able to race all year and (therefore) be out of the Grands Prix forever," the newspaper added.

Virgin's race drivers are Timo Glock and Lucas di Grassi.

The vacancy as reserve driver may have emerged due to the withdrawal of Alvaro Parente's sponsorship backing.

Virgin said in December that the Portuguese pay-driver would be its reserve driver in 2010, alongside 20-year-old test driver Luiz Razia.

But it is reported by Britain's Autosport magazine that Portugal's Tourism Institute pulled its backing of Parente, who is 25.