Virgin Racing have signed Formula Two champion Andy Soucek as their reserve driver ahead of the Formula One season.

The 24-year-old from Spain replaces Portuguese Alvaro Parente who lost the role after the Tourism Institute of Portugal backed out of a sponsorship deal.

Soucek will now deputise for drivers Timo Glock and Lucas di Grassi at all 19 grands prix this year.

Soucek said: "This role offers me a great opportunity to prepare myself for the Formula One environment, which is naturally where my longer-term ambitions lie.

"It is exciting and very motivating to be part of a new structure in such a challenging sport.

"I hope my experience can contribute a great deal to the development of the car and team in order to help us progress as quickly as possible."

Team principal John Booth remarked of Soucek: "He is certainly someone we have been keeping a close eye on as we believe he has a great deal of potential.

"He provides the experience we need should he be required to deputise for one of the race drivers at short notice."