Monteiro: new Spyker deal close

Monteiro, in his second season at the Silverstone-based squad, is believed to have found the necessary backing to secure his seat for a third year.

The 30-year-old is in advanced talks to remain at the team, and although he admits there is a lot of competition for his seat, Monteiro says he is the main candidate and that a deal could be announced in the next few weeks.

"Spyker made its proposal a month ago. We analyzed it and we presented the counter proposal. They had accepted some things and have to work on other points. The agreement should happen in a few weeks. I am optimistic," Monteiro told his country's O Jogo newspaper.

"I have other proposals on stand-by, in case F1 doesn't work out, but I don't want to think about that. In F1 the problem is that, although things are going in the right direction, they can change quickly, because there is a lot of competition.

"But I know that right now Spyker is giving me priority, although there are a lot of drivers who want to occupy my position."