SEPTEMBER 4, 2012

Lotus confirms D'Ambrosio for Monza

With Romain Grosjean banned for the Italian GP after his role in the first lap crash at Spa last weekend, Lotus has confirmed that third driver Jerome D'Ambrosio will partner Kimi Raikkonen in the team line-up at Monza.

With Romain Grosjean banned for the Italian GP after his role in the first lap crash at Spa last weekend, Lotus has confirmed that third driver Jerome D'Ambrosio will partner Kimi Raikkonen in the team line-up at Monza.

Team principal Eric Boullier said: "We know that Jerome is well integrated into the team and that he did a good job when he drove the E20 at the Mugello test. Now he has the challenge of a grand prix at the challenging circuit of Monza in a car which is capable of finishing on the podium. He's half Italian and I think I know which driverthe spectators will support after Fernando!

"It's a tough task for Jerome but we will be supporting him in every way to achieve a good result."

D'Ambrosio, who did a full season with Virgin in 2011, said: "As third driver I have worked with the team at every grand prix, attending all the briefings and meetings that the race drivers do, so I'm well prepared in that respect. Monza is a superb circuit but it's also quite a technical one, so I am not underestimating the task ahead of me."