Malaysian driver Fairuz Fauzy, who was seen on many occasions in and around the Lotus Racing Team in 2010, has been released from his five-year Formula 1 contract prematurely.

Although this new ends any rumour of a permanent ride for the driver in 2011, it does not end the Formula 1 career of the 28-year-old.

A statement mentioned other opportunities for him to combine another year of test-driving in F1 with a full programme in another championship.

The driver was part of the two days test for the Lotus team last winter and raced the Friday practice of the Malaysian, British, German, Singapore and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix.