Jan.26 (GMM) Lucas di Grassi could become a test driver with the sport's new official tyre supplier Pirelli in 2011.

After just a single season on the grid, the Brazilian has lost his Virgin drive for 2011 to the better-funded Belgian Jerome d'Ambrosio.

Finland's Turun Sanomat is reporting that di Grassi, 26, has been linked with Pirelli's ongoing private track testing programme for 2011.

Main Pirelli tyre tester Pedro de la Rosa's contract runs out in a few days, but it is expected that the Spaniard will continue to head the marque's development this year.

Di Grassi, meanwhile, could be set to replace de la Rosa's driving deputy Romain Grosjean.

Grosjean has been signed to return to the GP2 grid in 2010 with the DAMS team.

Given DAMS' close links with Renault, and the fact that Grosjean is expected to join Renault in 2011 as third driver, a parallel role at Pirelli for the Frenchman is unlikely on the grounds of partiality.

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