Virgin look for Brazilian pointer

It means that rookie Lucas Di Grassi drives his first ever home Grand Prix, although his return will be overshadowed somewhat by home favourite, Ferrari man Felipe Massa, not to mention veteran Rubens Barrichello.

“It’s my home meeting and one I’m looking forward to. It will be special for me,” said Di Grassi.

Meanwhile, Timo Glock will be looking to erase the memory of two weeks ago, when he was on course for a best finish of the season before being taken out by Sebastien Buemi in Korea.

With the Dinnington-based outfit’s hopes of claiming a £17 million pound windfall for finishing as the top new team looking bleak, both Glock and Di Grassi know that something special will be required if they are to finish above chief rivals Lotus.