JANUARY 24, 2012

Lotus Third driver role for D'Ambrosio

Jerome D'Ambrosio has joined the Lotus F1 Team as third driver for 2012. After racing for Virgin Racing alongside Timo Glock in 2011, Belgian D'Ambrosio lost his seat to Frenchman Charles Pic.

Jerome D'Ambrosio has joined the Lotus F1 Team as third driver for 2012.

After racing for Virgin Racing alongside Timo Glock in 2011, Belgian D'Ambrosio lost his seat to Frenchman Charles Pic.

The 26-year-old said: "It's a great feeling to be joining Lotus F1 Team. It's an exciting next step in my career. I contested a complete season in F1 as a race driver for a smaller team where I learnt a lot about Formula 1. Now, I have the opportunity to work with one of the top teams with great potential for my future development.

"With my recent race experience, I know I can make a valuable contribution. Of course, I would love to be racing, but racing with a top team. This opportunity is one I couldn't afford to miss. My desire to get back in a race seat in the future is motivating me to do the best job possible in my new position."

D'Ambrosio is part of the Gravity Sport Management driver academy, of which team Lotus team principal Eric Boullier is CEO.

"To have a third driver who is highly motivated, fresh and talented and who contested the full 2011 season is highly beneficial for us," said Boullier. "In Jerome we have someone we know well who integrates beneficially with the squad.

"He impressed as reserve driver for us in 2010 and at the end of that year he made a strong showing in the young driver test. I am looking forward to working with Jerome again and think he is a perfect addition to our driving strength."