Filippi still hopes to land F1 drive

Luca Filippi

Luca Filippi is still trying for a Formula 1 drive for 2011 even if it means returning to the role as test driver. Filippi, who was a front runner in the GP2 series a couple of years ago and was also official tester for Honda F1 team in 2008. Should his F1 ambitions fail, he has a plan B which is to contest the Auto GP series, formerly the Euro Formula 3000 series.

The Italian is quoted by the Auto GP website saying, “I’m seriously working to find a place in F1, no matter if it’s as a test driver. I already did that for Honda F1 in 2008, and I think that with what I’ve shown throughout my career I should be linked to an F1 team today. You know, last year after finishing 2nd in GP2 Asia a Formula 1 deal seemed really close for me, so I don’t feel that I can already call it quits. Anyway I must also be realistic and to be fair I can’t see that happening at the moment, too many things have to fall in place."

“What I can say, is that if it won’t be F1 then it will be Auto GP. I already have advanced talks with one of the teams, and we are very close to an agreement. In 2010 it was a really good Championship, and now they have secured a TV coverage that no other feeder series have and a partnership with WTCC. I’m really looking forward to that," he said.