Oct.31 (GMM) French hopeful Charles Pic has entered the race to replace Rubens Barrichello at Williams next year.

The 21-year-old GP2 driver's mentor Olivier Panis, working with the Lagardere group, admitted recently he is in talks with Team Lotus and Virgin about 2012.

French broadcaster TF1 announced on Sunday morning from India that Pic, who is understood to carry some millions in potential backing for an F1 employer, has now signed with Virgin for 2012.

His press officer denied the news, telling Provence: "At this point, no agreement has been formalised.

"Charles is still in contact with three teams -- Lotus, Virgin and Williams," spokeswoman Muriel Belgy told the regional daily.

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