The DS Virgin Racing team insists it has made no decision with regards its driver line-up for the 2016-17 season, amid reports they are set to replace Jean-Eric Vergne.
Vergne has struggled in the opening races with six points from the first six races whilst team-mate Sam Bird has amassed 71 points over the same period of time. However at the seventh round of the season in Paris – Vergne's home race – he finished second to quadruple his points tally.
When asked by Grand Prix Times about the reports suggesting his future at DS Virgin isn't secure, he replied: "I’m not aware of that. I don't think they’d want to get rid of the guy who is second! I’m only joking. I haven’t heard anything like that.
Vergne went on to add that he is happy with where he is: "It’s a really nice team, really good team. They’ve shown a big improvement. I think I started the season quite bad and as long as I show a good improvement on myself also, there is no reason not to continue.
"We’ll see how it goes in the future. I’m just focusing on the remaining races and then there is plenty of time to think about next season."
Meanwhile team principal Alex Tai insists no decisions have been made, but also warned nobody – including his own position – is secure.
"No. We’ve made no decisions on drivers for next year," he told Grand Prix Times. "Every position in our team including mine is challenged on a yearly basis. We move forward with the best possible people in the best possible positions."
