From GMM

On the same day that Lucas di Grassi announced he will be on the F1 grid in 2010, Lotus boss Tony Fernandes said he is en route to Malaysia with two newly-signed drivers.

But it is expected that Brazilian di Grassi, Renault's reserve as well as a GP2 driver in 2009, will actually drive for the new Virgin team, which will be launched officially in London on Tuesday.

"I am well prepared to arrive in formula one," he told Globo. "I believe Virgin will be the best of the new teams. I spoke with all four of them," he added.

Reportedly at the head of the queue for a Lotus seat, meanwhile, is the Italian veteran Jarno Trulli.

The Malaysian team's boss Fernandes wrote on his Twitter on Friday: "Bringing home two drivers for the Lotus F1 team. Announcement Monday."