Jérôme d'Ambrosio in F1 with Virgin

Jérôme d?Ambrosio, after three seasons in the GP2 Series, will discover the Formula 1. If he has already taken the wheel of the Renault R29 this season, as a Renault F1 reserve driver, he only did it to impress the public during the World Series by Renault meetings, by performing “donuts” – again this weekend at Silverstone. This time, the Belgian will be able to drive in an F1 Grand Prix, during the first free practice session of the weekend, starting with the Singapore Grand Prix.

At the end of the week, Jérôme d?Ambrosio confirmed to us that he was in discussions with Virgin Racing, in order to get a seat in Formula 1. It turns out today that these discussions led to an agreement, with several test sessions on the program, in order to hope to get a steering wheel for 2011. Thus, the native of Etterbeek becomes Virgin Racing reserve driver with immediate effect. He will wear the Richard Branson team suit in Singapore and take part in the first free practice session of the Grand Prix, as well as during the other race weekends, except in Abu Dhabi, where GP2 will be his priority.

Although he does not yet have a wheel for the 2011 season, Jérôme d'Ambrosio has the chance to prove himself before the eyes of his potential team bosses. In addition to driving during the first free practice sessions, he will be able to increase his experience during the Rookie days in Abu Dhabi. If he proves convincing, and in particular more than Lucas di Grassi, whom he will replace on Friday morning in Singapore in the seat of the VR01 n°25, the Belgian will be able to glean a starting position for next season, instead of the Brazilian. He could thus be the first Belgian since Philippe Adams (1994) to start an F1 Grand Prix.

« My ultimate goal has always been to race in Formula 1 and I'm happy to get closer to it, comments d?Ambrosio. I would like to thank Virgin Racing and Gravity Sport Management for their trust. I will not disappoint them. This wheel is a great opportunity for me and I hope to be able to help them in any way possible, while gaining experience by taking the wheel on four of the most demanding circuits on the Formula 1 calendar. the 2011 season. »