Parente calls for manufacturer help

The Portuguese driver, who beat Renault-backed Ben Hanley to the title this year, currently has no plans for next season, but he hopes that he will be able to race in GP2.

"I am really looking to be picked up by a manufacturer," said Parente, who added his Renault title to the 2005 British F3 crown.

"GP2 is where I would ideally like to be. It's a lot of money, but if I have the chance then I am going to be competitive."

The 23-year-old drew comparisons to Hanley as well as Sebastian Vettel, who was leading the World Series standings before he joined Toro Rosso in Formula One.

"Perhaps it is an advantage to be a free agent, but my rivals like Ben and Sebastian have support from Renault and BMW.

"My aim is to stay in Europe, but Japan could be an option if nothing happens here."

Parente will be hoping that his career can progress in a similar way to 2005 champion Robert Kubica's rather than last year's title winner Alx Danielsson, who has spent most of this season racing in Euroseries 3000.