D’Ambrosio replaces Grosjean in Italy, it’s official

It is not really a surprise, but it is now official: Jérôme D’Ambrosio will indeed start at Monza following Romain Grosjean’s one-race suspension after the starting crash at Spa.

« When we hired Jérôme as the third driver, we hired a driver who is very motivated, talented, and participated in the entire 2011 season. We hope that will pay off when he drives the car this weekend at Monza. We know that Jérôme is well integrated into the team and did a good job during the Mugello tests when he drove the E20. Now he will have to face the challenge of a Grand Prix on the Monza circuit in a car that is capable of finishing on the podium. One thing is certain, he is half Italian and I think I know which driver the spectators will support after Fernando. It’s a tough task for Jérôme, but we will support him to achieve a good result, » comments Eric Boullier.

The Belgian driver will thus regain a starting position after his last appearance in a Grand Prix in Brazil in 2011 with the Virgin team (now Marussia). For 2012, the team, which now operates under the Russian flag, preferred Charles Pic, supported by the Lagardère group. So it is with Lotus that he found refuge in the role of third driver.

« My ambition for 2012 has always been to return to the driver’s seat of a Formula 1 car, so I am happy to have this opportunity. Monza is a fantastic circuit and I am looking forward to hitting the track on Friday. As the third driver, I have worked with the team at every Grand Prix by attending the briefings, so I am well prepared. Monza is a superb circuit, but it is also very technical, so I do not underestimate the task ahead. I will hand the wheel back to Romain [Grosjean] after Sunday’s race, and I hope that this Italian Grand Prix will allow me to fully showcase my abilities, » declares the Belgian driver.