Jerome d’Ambrosio has admitted he secured his formula one race debut with Virgin in 2011 by taking a commercial package to the new British team.<\/p>\n
When the Belgian’s deal was announced earlier this week, team boss John Booth insisted the 24-year-old – who completed the 2010 season as a Friday driver – had been selected “absolutely on merit”.<\/p>\n
But a few weeks ago, reports said the Virgin cockpit alongside Timo Glock next year was up for grabs for EUR 5 million.<\/p>\n
And at the end of October, d’Ambrosio’s management – the Gravity group which is managed by Renault team boss Eric Boullier – said it had pulled together “95 per cent of the package” required.<\/p>\n
“Of course there is talent, but also a commercial aspect,” d’Ambrosio confirmed this week to RTL Belgium.<\/p>\n
“There are people, partners who are working with me in Belgium, as well as Gravity, who are always working with me, with Eric Boullier.”<\/p>\n
D’Ambrosio said: “We managed to put together the package we needed to be able to sign.”<\/p>\n
He said he sees his 2011 debut with Virgin as the first step to a long career in F1.<\/p>\n
“I jumped like a kangaroo!” joked d’Ambrosio, recalling hearing the news that he had secured the seat.<\/p>\n
“It’s exceptional, extraordinary, but not an end in itself, because you have to have new goals now — and it is to stay (in F1) for as long as possible.<\/p>\n
“At the moment we have a great outcome.\u00a0 Since I was little, I have dreamed of being in F1, and since 16, it has been my goal.”<\/p>\n
As for his approach to 2011, the Belgian explained: “The most important thing is to focus on myself, learning something each time I go onto the track.<\/p>\n
“I am fortunate to have Timo Glock beside me, who has had some podiums in grands prix.\u00a0 This will be a valuable experience for me.”<\/p>\n
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