Soucek confident of making 2010 grid

The Spaniard had a day with Williams as his prize for winning the Formula 2 championship this year, and he ended it at the top of the timesheets.

That performance, allied to his success in F2, has left him in no doubt that now is the right time to make the jump to F1.

"We don't have a plan B right now," Soucek told reporters in Jerez. "We're really focusing on being in Formula 1 next year That's our only aim.

"I have to say I'm really positive because I have a lot of help from Spain, lots of good sponsors, my manager and team are doing a great job in discussions with different F1 teams. I'm pretty sure we can be on the grid next year.

"Obviously the new teams all require budget and I've got sponsors who want to support me. This is all down to winning F2 this year, so I have to thank Jonathan Palmer and everyone else there who has put me in this position. I think it's a good step before F1."

Although Soucek's nationality would make him an obvious candidate for the Spanish Campos Meta team, he has ruled out driving for them.

"Actually there was not much interest there," he said. "I know it's a Spanish team and I'm a Spanish driver, so it's logical. But they actually require more budget than I have. I'm not in that position now."

He has also made it clear his focus is on competing rather than taking a testing role.

"A race seat," he said about what he wants. "The third driver doesn't get much mileage next year under the rules, so I want to have time on the track to improve myself.

"I know the time today is good, but it could be better. It's all about experience and getting to know the car."