Oct.12 (GMM) A race seat with Virgin could be the next step for Canadian Robert Wickens.

Driving in Virgin and title sponsor Marussia's colours this season, the 22-year-old wrapped up the Renault World Series championship in Spain last weekend while F1 raced at Suzuka.

"We look forward to celebrating with him this weekend in Korea," announced Virgin's F1 team boss John Booth.

A few months ago, Wickens was announced as the F1 team's new reserve driver.

And while the formula one world was in Japan last weekend, the Belgian newspaper De Morgen reported that Wickens is in the running for a 2012 seat because he has "more (sponsorship) money" to offer than Jerome d'Ambrosio.

Wickens told the Toronto newspaper Globe and Mail: "F1 has always been the goal in my whole career and now I am the closest I have ever been.

"Definitely, I will switch now to trying to secure a seat for next year.

"At the end of the day, if I could get corporate Canada's support it would be a dream come true."

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