Jerome D'Ambrosio will partner Timo Glock at Virgin Racing in 2011, the team confirmed on Tuesday.
Belgian driver to partner Glock in 2011
Jerome D'Ambrosio will partner Timo Glock at Virgin Racing in 2011, the team confirmed on Tuesday.
The 24-year-old Belgian driver steps up to replace Brazilian Lucas di Grassi after impressing during a number of Friday practice outings for the team at races late last season.
"I'm thrilled to have achieved my goal of a Formula One race seat with Marussia Virgin Racing," D'Ambrosio said.
"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."
D'Ambrosio has spent the past four seasons competing in GP2 having earlier raced in GP2 Asia, F3000 Euroseries and Formula Renault.
He was also the reserve and test driver for Renault last season before taking part in practice sessions for Virgin at the Singapore, Japanese, Korean and Brazilian grands prix.
One to watch
Virgin team principal John Booth said: "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. Apart from his obvious skill at the wheel of a Formula One 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."
D'Ambrosio's first outing at the wheel of the new VR-02 will come at the Valencia pre-season test in February.
