Formula One 2011 grid organizing rapidly
The Formula One team, Virgin Racing has announced that they have signed with the Belgian Jerome D’Ambrosio, partnering with German Timo Glock for the next season.
By far, only seven spots are left yet to be announced that shall have a run on the grid for 2011. D’Amborosio becomes the first Belgian to compete in the Formula One since 1994 when Phillipe Adams used to drive for Lotus. D’Amborosio replaces the Brazilian
Lucas di Grassi, who failed to score any point in his debut championship 2010. There would indeed be high hopes for Virgin Racing as the Belgian holds modest stats in the junior Formula.
Lucas di Grassi would be looking forward to have a spot for another team but rumours have it that he’ll be a test/reserve driver for another team, a role to which he seems to be pretty good in maintaining a reputation at.
His first part in the practice session was held last Friday with the Cosworth-powered team at four grands prix in 2010, and it must be mentioned that he compared well with the other dirivers. “I'm thrilled to have achieved my goal
of a Formula One race seat,” a team statement by D’Amborosio.
“We look forward to being in a much stronger position to deliver the car he deserves in 2011.”
The Virgin Racing team Principal John Booth had his eyes focused on the Belgian for quite some time now, saying, “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.”
The Russian rider Vitaly Petrov is widely expected to stay at Renault, despite of an unreliable draftee season yet with his promising performance by an impressive drive in the season finale in Abu Dhabi. Petrov is expected that
he will confirm his place alongside Robert Kubica with Renault in season 2011.
Ex-Williams driver, Nico Hulkenberg and Force India’s Adrian Sutil have also been rumoured to be in line for the spot. Adrian Sutil is indeed vying for his stay at the Force India’s team but has not yet been confirmed by them for
2011.
Hulkenberg and Sutil are also part of a group of drivers vying for Force India seats. Neither of Force India's current drivers, Sutil and Vitantonio Liuzzi have been confirmed for 2011. Liuzzi, besides of his poor performance in the 2010 season, still seems
to be convinced as safe with Force India.
Buemi, who is expected to run with Toro Rosso, seems to have his season in jeopardy as the confirmed reserve driver, Daniel Ricciardo, is linked with his replacement. Jamie Alguersuari is currently on the up after a very respectable 2010 season.
Despite their announcement for the driver line-up soon after the 2010 season commenced, the most recent Entry List provided by the FIA still describes unconfirmed drivers for team Toro Rosso. Earlier, Sebastien Buemi and Jaime Alguersuari had secure contracts
for 2011 but they might still be keeping their fingers crossed until the FIA confirms their entry.
As for the rest of the grid, Renault, Force India and Hispania are left with vacant seats on their rides with the new season just around the corner starting in Bahrain in March 2011. Once again, it seems to be a case of bringing in the sponsorship as Jerome
D’Ambrosio has yet brought up $8 million of sponsorship.
Ironically it’s the matter of talented drivers unable to move up the ladder on the basis of money, a cruel blow it would be for South American Esteban Guerrieri, who shall now be seeking opportunity in GP2.
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