Virgin will try out Belgian driver Jerome D'Ambrosio in Friday practice at four of the last five races of the season.
Virgin to evaluate Belgian driver at upcoming grand prix weekends
Virgin will try out Belgian driver Jerome D'Ambrosio in Friday practice at four of the last five races of the Formula One season.
The 24-year-old, who has been competing in support series GP2 since 2008, will drive on Friday at the upcoming Singapore Grand Prix, as well as in Japan, South Korea and Brazil.
D'Ambrosio is a reserve and test driver for Renault but has taken the opportunity to be evaluated by Virgin and will also take part in a young driver test at the end of the season.
"The team will be using this opportunity to evaluate Jerome's potential," Virgin said in a statement.
Goal
The statement added: "Jerome will join existing long-term reserve driver Luis Razia who continues in the role."
D'Ambrosio will replace Brazilian race driver Lucas di Grassi for the first Friday session in Singapore, with Timo Glock continuing alongside him.
The former International Formula Master champion hopes that the Friday role will lead to a full race seat in the future.
"My ultimate goal has always been to race in Formula One and I am delighted to get a step closer," D'Ambrosio said.
Glock has two years remaining on his contract at Virgin while the team have an option on di Grassi for next season.
