Belgian Jerome D'Ambrosio to race for Virgin

Belgian Jerome D'Ambrosio will  partner Germany's Timo Glock at Virgin Racing next season, the Formula One team announced on Tuesday.                                         

D'Ambrosio replaces Brazilian Lucas di Grassi at the newcomers who failed to score a point in their debut championship this year.  

The 24-year-old, who will be the first to race under a Belgian licence in Formula One since Phillipe Adams with Lotus in 1994, took part in Friday practice sessions with the Cosworth-powered team at four grands prix in 2010.                                           

The former Renault test and reserve driver also spent half a day with Virgin, whose title sponsor is now Russian sportscar maker Marussia, in a post-season test in Abu Dhabi last month. 

"I'm thrilled to have achieved my goal of a Formula One race seat," he said in a team statement.                                           

"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."

Team principal John Booth said D'Ambrosio had been on their radar for some time.                                           

"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 said. 

"He slotted into the team perfectly and everyone took a shine to him, including our partners and the media," added Booth, whose team were one of three newcomers on the starting grid this year.

"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." 

Like fellow-newcomers Hispania (HRT) and Lotus Racing, Virgin failed to score a point this year.                                           

D'Ambrosio's appointment leaves only a handful of places on the grid still undecided, although Russian Vitaly Petrov is widely expected to stay at Renault.

Force India and struggling HRT are the only teams with no drivers confirmed, with the new season starting in Bahrain in March.  

Booth thanked Di Grassi and hoped Virgin would be better next season:

"Timo has done an excellent job for us in our debut season, in often challenging circumstances," he said. "There is no doubt that he has helped us to establish a strong foundation from which to develop the team and the package.                                           

"We look forward to being in a much stronger position to deliver the car he deserves in 2011."