Jerome D’Ambrosio To Drive Lotus E20 At Mugello Test

Jerome D’Ambrosio will get his first taste of a 2012 F1 car at the Mugello test next week, as the Belgian driver joins Raikkonen and Grosjean in driving the Lotus E20. After being replaced at Marussia (formerly Virgin Racing), the Belgian driver has become the reserve driver for the highly competitive Lotus team for 2012.

The last time D’Ambrosio drove an F1 car was February, when he took part in a filming day driving the 2010 Renault. However, this fact will change when the Lotus team get their three days of testing at Mugello underway, with Jerome at the wheel. The Belgian driver announced his participation in the Mugello test whilst commentating for the UK’s Sky Sports F1 coverage during the Bahrain Grand Prix, alongside David Croft for the practice sessions’.

After a highly competitive Bahrain Grand Prix, which saw Lotus finish 2nd and 3rd, the team are confident of continuing this competitiveness all season. They will be one of many teams eager to take a step forward during the Mugello test, and Jerome D’Ambrosio is committed to assisting the team in doing so.

“It’s an amazing opportunity for me, and I’d like to thank Lotus F1 Team for giving me the chance to experience the E20.” Said Jerome D’Ambrosio, “Kimi and Romain needed time in the car during the winter after two years away, so the fact that this test has been put on the calendar after the first four races of the season gives me an opportunity to drive. I’ve said all along that a third driver position with a top team would be much better for my career this year, and I’m starting to see the benefits of that strategy. I’ve learnt a lot so far with Lotus F1 Team, and this is just the beginning.”

The Mugello test is scheduled to take place between the 1st – 3rd May, and will be the first in-season test since 2008. Kimi Raikkonen will drive the Lotus on day two, before handing over to French rookie Romain Grosjean for the third and final day.

Picture Copyright © Lotus F1 Team