Soucek leaves Virgin Racing
Soucek secured his Formula One seat at the start of the season after striking a late deal with Virgin Racing, which unfortunately permitted him no time behind the wheel of the VR-01 before the F1 testing ban came into force. Current F1 regulations have also prevented Andy from having any tracktime in the car during the 2010 season.
"Andy and the team have mutually agreed to conclude his contractual obligations to Virgin Racing so that Andy can concentrate on racing in other categories," said a statement from Soucek's management. "This season Andy attended 10 of the races ready to substitute for either race driver in the event of an injury or illness and during that time he has regularly been a part of, and contributed to, the team's trackside engineering meetings.
"The current F1 testing agreement means there are few opportunities for test drivers to gain track time in the car. Andy is ambitious, and needs to maintain his racing mileage. Therefore he has decided to concentrate on pursuing racing opportunities in other series.
Soucek has already competed in Superleague Formula by Sonangol this season, following a mid-season arrangement to represent Sporting Clube de Portugal in the football-themed series.
"Andy has enjoyed his time with Virgin Racing, and both sides have parted on good terms, wishing each other well for the future," Soucek's management concluded.