F1: Surname did not help Lucas di Grassi

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From GMM

Lucas di Grassi has admitted that funding his way through motor racing's lower categories to formula one was difficult.

Like his contemporaries Nelson Piquet Jr and Bruno Senna , the 25-year-old is from Brazil, but was unable to attract sponsors with the assistance of a famous surname.

Lucas Di Grassi , a GP2 regular and last year's Renault reserve, has secured his grand prix debut for 2010 with the new Virgin Racing team.

But he told Brazil's Globo: "I have always been competing with drivers with strong last names. It was always difficult to find sponsors."