Manor boss not ruling out Piquet for 2010 seat

New Formula One boss John Booth has refused to rule out signing Nelson Piquet Jr for the 2010 season.

Booth is taking his Manor team to the Formula One grid next year, and the Yorkshire Post reports that his high profile deal with Sir Richard Branson - in which the team could be renamed Virgin F1 - will be announced a few days after November's Abu Dhabi finale.

Piquet, 23, was sacked by Renault for underperformance earlier this year, and he then triggered the crash-gate scandal by admitting to crashing deliberately in Singapore last September.

The saga has resulted in Renault losing its chiefs Flavio Briatore and Pat Symonds, and top sponsors ING and Mutua Madrilena.

But despite Brazilian Piquet admitting this week that he might need to revive his career in America, Booth said: "I've not spoken to him at the moment, but he's a smashing little driver.

"I've no personal problems with him, but it is unclear what his current position is with regards sponsorship."

Booth said talks have already taken place with the reigning A1GP champion Adam Carroll, as well as former F1 racers Christian Klien and Anthony Davidson.

"We have spoken to Christian but nothing more. I've had a chat with Anthony Davidson and he's a very quick driver.

"It's amazing the amount of quality drivers that are out there," Booth added.