The Portadown driver has impressed in every class of motor racing in which he has competed, winning five times in the feeder GP2 Series and claiming title glory for Ireland in the A1GP World Cup of Motorsport in 2008-09.

Finances, or rather a distinct lack of, have always conspired against the Ulsterman, and whilst he has been on the fringes of F1 for some time and served as a member of Honda's young driver programme three years ago, opportunity has yet to knock on his door.

Carroll, who is 27 years old, is still young enough to make the grade at the highest level, and he has been linked in recent weeks with the new Manor GP Team, which will be rebranded Virgin Racing before Christmas.

It is widely believed that they have signed a driver for the second seat alongside German Timo Glock and this announcement is expected mid December.

No one from Manor will reveal who the second driver is, but sources within F1 hint that the job is going to Renault reserve driver and multiple GP2 Series race-winner and title contender Lucas di Grassi.

Where does this now leave Carroll and his quest to land a drive in F1? There are a number of options still open in F1. Three new teams, Campos Meta 1 alongside Bruno Senna, nephew of the late and great Ayrton Senna, Lotus F1 or the new American USF1 Team.

The American team had hoped to lure Danica Patrick, but she has decided to stay in the high profile US Indy Series and just this week she signed to race for Andretti Autosport in 2010.

This signing by Patrick may lead to a clue as to where Carroll goes in 2010. The American team could sign the Ulsterman and of course the other option on the table is a switch to the US racing scene and the Indy Series. He has been approached by the Andretti Autosport Team.