Lotus F1 has formally confirmed that reserve driver Jerome D’Ambrosio will replace the banned Romain Grosjean at the Italian GP this weekend.
The race will give the 26-year-old Belgian a unique chance to showcase his talent in a car that has earned nine podiums this year, although clearly the circumstances are not ideal, especially given that cars are always hard to drive in low downforce Monza spec.
Although the team could have taken someone else – even a driver with sponsorship – there was never any real doubt about D’Ambrosio getting the job, given that he is part of the Genii Group family.
Last year his management underwrote his season with Marussia Virgin Racing so the chance to give him a ‘free’ run in a car capable of reaching the podium was too good to miss.
D’Ambrosio’s only previous experience of the E20 came when he drove 40 laps at the Mugello test on May 1.
Team boss Eric Boullier said: “When we signed Jérôme as our third driver we signed a man who is highly motivated, fresh, talented and who contested the full 2011 season. We hope that this will pay dividends when he drives the car this weekend in Monza. We know that Jérôme 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. One thing is for sure, he’s half Italian and I think I know which driver the spectators will support apart from Fernando! It’s a tough task for Jérôme, but we will be supporting him in every way to achieve a good result.”
D’Ambrosio added: “My desire for 2012 has always been to get back into the seat of a Formula 1 car so I am grabbing this opportunity with both hands. Monza is a fantastic circuit and I can’t wait to take to the track on Friday. 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 am well prepared in this respect. Monza is a superb circuit, but it is also quite a technical one so I am not underestimating the task ahead of me.
“I want to reward the faith that the team has in me with a good haul of points from the race. I will hand the wheel back to Romain after Sunday’s race and I hope that this one showing in Italy will allow me to show my capabilities fully.”
Adam Cooper F1 