Davide Valsecchi, the reigning GP2 champion, is not the favourite to replace Kimi Raikkonen at Lotus next year.
Referring to 26-year-old Italian Valsecchi, who is the Enstone based team’s current reserve driver, team boss Eric Boullier said there are two other candidates with a stronger chance.
"Massa and Hulkenberg are strong candidates," he is quoted by Tuttosport, "but there are many other names (in the running), to be honest.
"Felipe and Nico are not the only ones on the list. There is also Davide.
"It is true that his lack of experience, compared to Felipe and Nico, does not make him the favourite, but he is obviously on the list," Frenchman Boullier added.