Adapted from GMM
Jerome d'Ambrosio will make his F1 debut in 2011 alongside Timo Glock, the Virgin team announced on Tuesday.
We reported earlier this month that the 24-year-old Belgian d'Ambrosio was on the verge of securing the second race cockpit, which in 2010 was occupied by fellow rookie Lucas di Grassi.
Jerome d'Ambrosio, reportedly bringing $5m to the new British team and managed by the Eric Boullier-led Gravity group, completed this season as Virgin's Friday driver and was recently only awaiting the approval of team partner Marussia for the 2011 ride.
Jerome d'Ambrosio says: "I'm thrilled to have achieved my goal of a Formula 1 race seat with Marussia Virgin Racing. When I came to the team in September this year it was everything I could hope for. I had a tough test to complete because there was a lot of competition for this seat, but at the same time I got on well with the team and felt that I had found my home. I feel very comfortable with them - they are extremely professional and ambitious people and it is exciting to think that I can be a part of shaping the team's future."
Team boss John Booth says: "Jerome had been on our radar for quite some time as a driver we should seriously consider for a 2011 race seat. We had followed his progress in GP2 closely and it was clear he was 'one to watch', but when we put him in the car for the four race weekends and the Abu Dhabi test he surpassed even our own expectations."
"He slotted into the team perfectly and everyone took a shine to him, including our partners and the media. Apart from his obvious skill at the wheel of a Formula 1 car, he is an immensely personable young guy who is a pleasure to have around. He has secured this seat absolutely on merit and I think coupled with Timo we have the perfect blend of youth, experience, speed and potential and we can't wait to see what they can achieve together next season. Timo has done an excellent job for us in our debut season, in often challenging circumstances. There is no doubt that he has helped us to establish a strong foundation from which to develop the team and the package. We look forward to being in a much stronger position to deliver the car he deserves in 2011."
John Booth thanks the departing Lucas di Grassi, who last weekend won Felipe Massa's annual charity kart event in Florianopolis, and is now seeking a F1 role for 2011.
"Finally, I must thank Lucas di Grassi for the important role that he also played in establishing the team. He contributed a great deal to our development and we wish him every success in his future career, which we have no doubt will be an exciting one."
Virgin will launch its next car, the VR-02, prior to the first group test of the pre-season at the beginning of February.
Jerome d'Ambrosio will make his F1 debut in 2011 alongside Timo Glock, the Virgin team announced on Tuesday.
We reported earlier this month that the 24-year-old Belgian d'Ambrosio was on the verge of securing the second race cockpit, which in 2010 was occupied by fellow rookie Lucas di Grassi.
Jerome d'Ambrosio, reportedly bringing $5m to the new British team and managed by the Eric Boullier-led Gravity group, completed this season as Virgin's Friday driver and was recently only awaiting the approval of team partner Marussia for the 2011 ride.
Jerome d'Ambrosio says: "I'm thrilled to have achieved my goal of a Formula 1 race seat with Marussia Virgin Racing. When I came to the team in September this year it was everything I could hope for. I had a tough test to complete because there was a lot of competition for this seat, but at the same time I got on well with the team and felt that I had found my home. I feel very comfortable with them - they are extremely professional and ambitious people and it is exciting to think that I can be a part of shaping the team's future."
Team boss John Booth says: "Jerome had been on our radar for quite some time as a driver we should seriously consider for a 2011 race seat. We had followed his progress in GP2 closely and it was clear he was 'one to watch', but when we put him in the car for the four race weekends and the Abu Dhabi test he surpassed even our own expectations."
"He slotted into the team perfectly and everyone took a shine to him, including our partners and the media. Apart from his obvious skill at the wheel of a Formula 1 car, he is an immensely personable young guy who is a pleasure to have around. He has secured this seat absolutely on merit and I think coupled with Timo we have the perfect blend of youth, experience, speed and potential and we can't wait to see what they can achieve together next season. Timo has done an excellent job for us in our debut season, in often challenging circumstances. There is no doubt that he has helped us to establish a strong foundation from which to develop the team and the package. We look forward to being in a much stronger position to deliver the car he deserves in 2011."
John Booth thanks the departing Lucas di Grassi, who last weekend won Felipe Massa's annual charity kart event in Florianopolis, and is now seeking a F1 role for 2011.
"Finally, I must thank Lucas di Grassi for the important role that he also played in establishing the team. He contributed a great deal to our development and we wish him every success in his future career, which we have no doubt will be an exciting one."
Virgin will launch its next car, the VR-02, prior to the first group test of the pre-season at the beginning of February.