Oct.11 (GMM) A lack of sponsorship looks to have dented a rookie Spaniard's chances of joining the F1 grid.

Earlier this year it was rumoured Vitantonio Liuzzi could lose his HRT seat as the Spanish team eyes a place for Javier Villa.

The 23-year-old, who drives a BMW in the world touring car championship, was reportedly targeted for a prominent role by the team's new owner Thesan Capital.

"Yes, it's all true," he said in July.

But it appears that Villa's hopes have now dimmed.

"They wanted to make a big Spanish project, based in Spain, drivers of our country, sponsorships from here," he told the Asturias TV channel TPA.

"I think one of the biggest problems has been the Spanish sponsorships. The only thing is to wait for how things unfold in the coming months.

"If there is no sponsor, probably what the driver who does come can provide is very important," added Villa.

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