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Valsecchi set to replace Grosjean

GP2 racer Davide Valsecchi has been released from his contract with Durango and will switch to Barwa Addax as replacement for Formula 1-bound Romain Grosjean at Valencia next weekend

The Italian's split was announced by Durango after what it described as "a request from Davide Valsecchi's management".

Confirmation of the Barwa Addax link-up will not come until Grosjean is officially announced as Nelson Piquet's replacement at Renault, which in turn is not expected until the team's appeal against the one-race ban that currently has it sidelined from the European Grand Prix has been heard.

Valsecchi was unable to comment when contacted by AUTOSPORT on Tuesday, however the Addax deal has been confirmed by insiders.

Valsecchi, who joins Grosjean as a member of the Renault Driver Development programme, will now take a central role in trying to help Barwa Addax reclaim the lead in the GP2 teams' championship after it was overtaken by ART in Hungary two weeks ago.

His move leaves Durango in search of a replacement, with Britain's James Jakes and Brazilian Carlos Iaconelli believed to be among the leading contenders. Euroseries 3000 points leader Marco Bonanomi has also visited the team for a seat fitting and told AUTOSPORT that while a Valencia call-up is unlikely, he would not rule out an appearance later in the season.

"Durango called and asked if I could make a seat fitting two or three weeks ago," he said. "They know the situation that I don't have a full budget and also there are three clashing races with F3000.

"For Valencia it will be so difficult, but there is more possibility for Spa or Monza. They are two circuits that I know well. It is up to them, they have a choice of drivers, but on my side I am always fighting."

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