GP3 champion Alex Lynn eyes 2015 F1 reserve role after Lotus test

Red Bull-backed GP3 champion Lynn was an outside contender for the second STR race drive alongside Max Verstappen next year.

Jean-Eric Vergne announced on Wednesday that he had definitely lost his seat, making Formula Renault 3.5 champion Carlos Sainz Jr the favourite.

Lynn, who made his F1 testing debut with Lotus in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, said his own Toro Rosso chance was "looking less and less" but he expects to retain some Red Bull assistance and is now aiming for a reserve position somewhere in the F1 pitlane.

"I think they'll always try to help me - me and Dr [Helmut] Marko have got a great relationship," he said of his Red Bull status.

"There's no doubt in my mind about how good he thinks I am, it's just like so many things in life, the cards need to fall at the right time.

"And it looks like my cards won't fall at the right time for Toro Rosso.

"But it could be the perfect opportunity somewhere else. That's what we're working towards.

"I think there are a couple of good opportunities that could come up, and I genuinely reckon that within two or maximum three weeks I'm going to know if I have a chance of having more goes in a Formula 1 car next year."

Lynn added that his 2015 F1 deal "won't be a race seat, that's for sure", and said his priority was to develop a long-term relationship.

Asked if he would consider a Caterham seat if the team continued into 2015, Lynn replied: "That's not really what I'm looking at. Not dissing anyone, but I'm looking at a sustainable career and I'm looking to become a world champion one day.

"If I can try to get myself in the door somewhere where I'm really in the frame, that's what I'm looking for.

"I'm looking for someone that believes that I could lead a team one day."

He expressed his gratitude to Lotus for giving him the Abu Dhabi test chance.

"The first couple of runs put a massive smile on my face," said Lynn.

"If I get good feedback from them, I reckon that's just as important as going P1.

"It's great to go quickest, but at the end of the day this is all about trying to get into Formula 1, not trying to win it or bin it."