Petrov replaces Pla at DPR

The Japanese investment firm, who was unsuccessful in gaining a Formula One entry for 2008 earlier this season, have reneged on their agreement with DPR, forcing the driver switch on funding grounds.

Without a support from Direxiv, Pla does not have the funds to complete the season and has had to be replaced with a driver with budget.

Clivio Piccione will complete the season with the team however, after finding supplementary sponsorship money of his own.

"As a  consequence  of  the  failure  of  the  Direxiv  Motorsport  company  to meet  its contractual obligations to DPR, the British team will feature a new  driver line up from this weekend's race in Hockenheim until the end of the GP2 season," said a statement.

Petrov, 21, is currently lying fourth in the Euroseries 3000 championship, having taken two victories.

Last week autosport.com revealed that Direxiv had abandoned plans to set up an F1 team with help from Jean Alesi and  McLaren-Mercedes. The outfit planned to be based in McLaren's old Woking factory and run customer versions of McLaren's car and engine.

DPR will run without Direxiv branding 'where possible' in this weekend's races at Hockenheim.