» Di Grassi: You can’t put a price on talent

Lucas di Grassi has finally opened up about his departure from the Virgin Racing squad, and believes that the team’s decision to replace him with the well-funded Jérôme d’Ambrosio was predominantly down to the Belgian’s backing.

The Brazilian has joined the growing list of drivers to attack the sport’s current obsession with finding well-funded drivers to join the sport.

Despite what many regarded as a generally indifferent debut F1 season, Di Grassi found himself sidelined in the final rounds during Friday morning practice so d’Ambrosio could have a go, and later out of a drive altogether.

“It’s a shame that Formula One seats have been for sale,” he told Sao Paulo Jovem Pan FM radio station.

“The team said to me numerous times that if the decision was made on purely technical grounds, I would be staying. But money spoke louder.”

But the 26-year-old is still hopeful he can make a return to Formula 1.

“This year will be a difficult one of transition and restructuring of my career, aimed at returning to F1 as soon as possible,” he said.

[Original image via LAT]