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Liuzzi still eyes Formula One future

Tonio Liuzzi is still HRT's third driver having raced for the team last season © Sutton Images

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• Tonio Liuzzi

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• HRT

Tonio Liuzzi admits that his goal is still to compete in Formula One despite not having a race seat this season.

Having driven for HRT in 2011, Liuzzi was replaced by Pedro de la Rosa this year as the team looked to establish more Spanish roots. While Liuzzi has been retained as a third driver with HRT he is staying race sharp in the Superstars Series, opening the season with a podium and a victory in the opening two races at Monza.

Liuzzi admitted that his aim is to return to Formula One, but said he would enjoy racing elsewhere while he was away from the paddock.

"Of course I miss Formula One because it is the pinnacle of the sport and the ultimate goal in a racing driver's career," Liuzzi told Touring Car Times. "For sure I would like to try to get back there in the future. On the other hand I'm really happy to be here, this is another chapter in my career and I'm glad I had the opportunity to prove myself in a high level championship as the Superstars Series.

"If I had the chance to go back to F1 midway through the season I would need to evaluate the situation very carefully. Of course I'm still linked to the grand prix world as a third driver for HRT and it has a priority for me, so if the opportunity comes I would have to think about it and you never know what's going to happen in the future."

Liuzzi added that he felt he would return to Formula One a better all-round driver if he can be successful in his current series.

"The Superstars Series project is a dream we're trying to fulfill with Mercedes and CAAL Racing. I think a racing driver needs to be versatile if he's to be among the best in the sport. This is also a challenge for myself, as I would like to prove that I can make the difference in the touring car world as well and that I can keep on winning in this environment."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.