Liuzzi hopes to announce 2010 race seat ‘soon’

(GMM) Vitantonio Liuzzi on Saturday indicated he may soon be able to announce his return to the formula one grid in 2010.

The 27-year-old Italian, known universally as Tonio, has spent the last two seasons as Force India's test and reserve driver, and it is believed his deal with the Silverstone based squad guarantees a race seat next year.

Liuzzi, already with 39 grands prix under his belt for Red Bull's F1 teams, did not refer to his contract at the Nurburgring on Saturday, but grinned when asked which of the three new 2010 entrants he most fancies for a ride next year.

"Maybe one of the present ones," he told the British broadcaster BBC.

"Hopefully soon we can announce something. I think we are really close to stepping back into a race seat," Liuzzi added.

David Coulthard raced alongside the Italian at Red Bull Racing for a time in 2005, and said in Germany of Liuzzi: "I think he's got a firm contract for next season."