Virgin recently confirmed that they will be keeping Timo Glock for the 2011 Formula 1 season but the team did not reveal anything regarding their second seat.
Lucas di Grassi’s fate was in danger since there were already many rumours that Virgin Racing Team’s test driver Jerome d’Ambrosio has a major sponsor by his side for 2011 and he was obviously looking for a full season drive.
Since he was already the test driver for Virgin, the team recently revealed that they have officially signed Jerome as their second driver for the team and as a result, Lucas di Grassi is now team-less once again.
However, the young Belgian driver recently revealed that he had to pay Virgin Racing team in order to secure his seat with the team through a long with a deal from his sponsor.
“Of course there is talent, but also a commercial aspect. There are people, partners who are working with me in Belgium, as well as Gravity, who are always working with me, with Eric Boullier. We managed to put together the package we needed to be able to
sign,” d'Ambrosio confirmed this week.
Virgin’s team boss John Booth insisted during the press conference that Jerome had been selected “absolutely on merit” and the team did not intend to choose money over talent at all. However, according to some reports, d’Ambrosio had to pay €5 million and
since Gravity Sports, the major sponsor backing Jerome recently stated that “95% of the package” had been secured, it was quite clear that they were willing to pay in order to secure his drive.
“I jumped like a kangaroo! It's exceptional, extraordinary, but not an end in itself, because you have to have new goals now -- and it is to stay for as long as possible. At the moment we have a great outcome. Since I was little, I have dreamed of being
in F1,” added the young Belgian driver.
Jerome is quite focussed about the 2011 Formula 1 season and he believes that his team will improve vitally after a disappointing debut season in the sport.
“The most important thing is to focus on myself, learning something each time I go onto the track. I am fortunate to have Timo Glock beside me, who has had some podiums in grand prix. This will be a valuable experience for me,” he said.
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