Jerome d'Ambrosio © Marussia Virgin Racing
Jerome d'Ambrosio has joined Lotus as the team's third driver.
The Belgian was left without a drive after Virgin elected to replace him with Charles Pic for this season.
D'Ambrosio will work with new drivers Kimi Raikkonen and Romain Grosjean, attending all races and deputising if the situation arises.
It is an unsurprising move given that d'Ambrosio's management - Genii Capital - play a major part within the team.
D'Ambrosio said, "It's a great feeling to be joining Lotus F1 Team, it's an exciting next step in my career. I contested a complete season in F1 as a race driver for a smaller team where I learnt a lot about Formula 1."
"Now, I have the opportunity to work with one of the top teams with great potential for my future development. With my recent race experience, I know I can make a valuable contribution.
"Of course, I would love to be racing, but racing with a top team. Being associated with Lotus F1 Team should be more beneficial and this is the choice I have made. This opportunity is one I couldn't afford to miss. My desire to get back in a race seat in the future is motivating me to do the best job possible in my new position."
Team principal Eric Bouiller commented on the benefits d'Ambrosio will bring to the team
"To have a third driver who is highly motivated, fresh and talented and who contested the full 2011 season is highly beneficial for us. In Jerome we have someone we know well who integrates beneficially with the squad."
"He impressed as reserve driver for us in 2010 and at the end of that year he made a strong showing in the young driver test. He also showed strongly in his rookie season as an F1 race driver. I am looking forward to working with Jerome again and think he is a perfect addition to our driving strength."
