“I'm hopeful of winning a drive and making the final step to the top of the sport," said Carroll in an interview with the Belfast Telegraph, while also revealing that he is in the middle of some negotiations for a racing seat.
According to several reports in the Irish media, Carroll's best chance of inking a driving deal for next season rests with Manor Grand Prix – or Virgin Racing, as confirmed in the latest FIA entry list for the 2010 F1 championship – as the commitment would actually be a pay drive. Meaning Carroll could race in the sport for as long as his finances allow him to.
However, the Irishman is not alone in his fight for a Virgin spot, as Brazilian driver Lucas di Grassi is also seen as a top contender for the job. The team's boss John Booth recently announced Timo Glock as leading driver for the team, while also hinting that his next target is Di Grassi (with whom he worked in the past).
Di Grassi spent the last two years test-driving for Renault F1 team, while also competing in Formula One's feeder series, the GP2.
Virgin Racing revealed last week that they are hoping to secure their drivers lineup by Christmas, in order to begin a proper preparation for their 2010 campaign as soon as possible.
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