Thor star Chris Hemsworth is in talks to topline the Formula 1 racing biopic Rush, which Ron Howard is eyeing as his next directorial project. The script, by Peter Morgan (The Queen), focuses on the rivalry between three-time F1 champion Niki Lauda British driver James Hunt in the 1970’s. Paul Greengrass was initially interested in directing the flick, before he turned his attention to Sony’s adaptation of A Captain’s Duty.

Deadline reports that Hemsworth would take on the role of Hunt before reprising his role in the Thor sequel currently set for a July 26^th, 2012 release date. If the deals for Howard and Hemsworth close, filming on Rush could begin early next year. Howard is still committed to directing the massive adaptation of The Dark Tower, but Rush might push that hoped-for March start date back a bit. Hemsworth is also onboard as the lead in Universal's Snow White and the Huntsman and recently signed on for Sony's action flick Shadow Runner, so Thor's gonna be a bit busy for a little while.