» A new Canadian driver on the horizon?

Could Formula 1 see a new Canadian join its driver ranks?

That certainly could be the case, with there now apparently being a vacancy at Virgin Racing after Sakon Yamamoto’s three-race reserve driver deal – which didn’t seem to involve anything, really – came to an end.

Toronto’s Globe & Mail newspaper claims that Robert Wickens, a 22-year-old now competing in the formula Renault 3.5 championship, is linked to the new role.

The Canadian driver shares a common link with the Virgin Racing squad, in that he is sponsored by the team’s title sponsor, the Marussia sports car group. Wickens’ Formula Renault 3.5 challenger is bedecked in the same livery design used on the Virgin Racing F1 car (pictured).

The newspaper also adds that the former A1GP, Formula 2 and GP3 series driver could have the deal in place by June’s Canadian Grand Prix, and perhaps even sooner.

If this were to be, Wickens would become Canada’s first representative in the cockpit since Jacques Villeneuve, who won the 1997 World Championship with Williams in just his second full season in the sport. He left F1 in mid-2006 after stints with BAR, Renault and Sauber.

[Images via LAT and Sutton Images]