Di Grassi knew he wasn't in the running for Renault race seat

Renault test driver Lucas di Grassi declared that he knew for quite some time that he was not in the running for a race seat with the French outfit in 2009. Di Grassi will now take the opportunity presented by Honda and will test for the team later this month.

Lucas di Grassi said: "I've known for a long time the decision in Renault. Some people there are very well connected and it was not easy for me, even having the support of some Renault people, to get a race seat.

"I can say I am very happy to stay at Renault, if I do," di Grassi continued. "But I want to move on: I have spent a year being third driver and I believe I could go a step further in my career and be a race driver."