Marussia Virgin confirmed tonight the expected news that GP2 racer Charles Pic will join the team in 2012.
The Frenchman will be Timo Glock’s third rookie team mate in three years, after Lucas Di Grassi and Jerome D’Ambrosio. Pic finished fourth in this year’s GP2 series, with two wins to his name, and took part in the recent young driver test in Abu Dhabi. He is looked after by former F1 driver Olivier Panis.
“As a driver you always feel you are ready for the next opportunity but in Abu Dhabi last week it was a tough test,” said Pic. “The team gave me some fantastic opportunities to learn new things but I also knew that I had to impress them and show them I was ready to do a good job. I was pleased with my performance, and obviously the team were too, so a very good start but this is just the beginning and I know that a lot of hard work is ahead of me to reward this chance.
“I like the team a lot; we worked well together in the test and I feel very comfortable. They want to do things the right way and I can see that there is a lot of determination to succeed, so it is very special for me to be part of that. I’m looking forward to working hard in every area over the winter to ensure I am ready for the start of testing and my first Grand Prix.”
“We naturally keep a close eye on the junior formulae and Charles is certainly someone we have been watching over the past few years,” said team boss John Booth. “The real barometer however was our Young Driver Test in Abu Dhabi last week, where we put him through a series of tough tests to thoroughly evaluate his potential.
“This was his first time in a Formula One car so it should have been quite daunting, however Charles was extremely focused on what needed to be done and absolutely rose to the challenge. He continued to improve in every area but his race simulation work particularly caught our eye.
“Winter testing will be upon us before we know it, so it is actually a relatively short space of time ahead with a lot for Charles to get used to, but he is an extremely determined young guy and he worked very well with the team last week. He has an extremely mature head on young shoulders, so I have no doubt that he will be working very hard over the winter to prepare for his debut season.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Jérôme D’Ambrosio for his hard work and important contribution to our team over the past 12 months or more. He has an exciting future to look forward to I’m sure and we wish him every success.”
D’Ambrosio, who was backed by Genii this year, may struggle to find another F1 opportunity.
Adam Cooper F1 