Carroll still chasing drive

The Ulsterman had a test with RuSPORT as they evaluated potential replacements for the injured Cristiano da Matta, and attended the last race at Road America to talk to other teams.

But despite not getting a drive for this weekend's race at Surfers Paradise, Carroll will head to Australia to continue talks with teams.

"We're going to talk to everyone again because we've had some good interest from people over there," Carroll told autosport.com.

"The test with RuSPORT helped me, because people know what lap times I was doing and they were impressed.

"Champ Car is a good series, and it's getting stronger with the new car coming in, so it's a good career path to follow."

The 23-year-old had links with Honda F1 team until earlier this year, when he requested to be released from any ties with the team.

"With the limited testing in F1 there are going to be even less opportunities next year for a test driver to prove themselves, so unless someone is linked to Red Bull or can buy a seat, there aren't really any options there," he said.

It is unlikely that Carroll will do a third year in GP2, although he doesn't want to rule it out completely, and could test with some teams over the winter.

"I'm not sure if there would be any point of staying in GP2," he said. "Unless you are with ART you probably won't win the championship, and I want to further my career."

While the opportunity to end the season with RuSPORT has now gone, Carroll believes he could still make the Champ Car grid for the season finale in Mexico.

"There might be a chance to do it with another team, but it's always hard coming into a championship right at the end," he said.

He is also still in talks with RuSPORT about the future.

"They were impressed with me after the test, but I can understand that they didn't want to put me in the car after I've only driven it once," he said.

"We are talking about next year though, but it's far too early for the team to know what their plans are at the moment."