In the build-up for the Brazilian Grand Prix, it has emerged that reserve driver Jerome D’Ambrosio is on the verge of securing a 2011 race-seat, according to his manager Eric Boullier.

These reports have appeared on the back of another disappointing performance from the current number two driver, Lucas di Grassi, as he once again failed to finish.

Boullier, who is Team Principal of the Renault F1 team, insists that the majority of the package is already in place and he hopes to have Virgin’s signature on a race deal for D’Ambrosio before the season ends in Abu Dhabi. He said:

“Almost 95 per cent of the package needed to bring Jerome D’Ambrosio into Formula One is there.

“The remaining five per cent we will have in a matter of days. Then we will go to Virgin, the team who gave us a concrete proposal for 2011 and with whom Jerome has already taken part in free practices in the last three races.

“I would love to have a signed contract in his pocket by the last race in Abu Dhabi.”

It seems that Lucas’ time is rapidly running out, fortunately this weekend he arrives in familiar surroundings as he makes his debut at his home Grand Prix in Brazil. He hopes an improved performance could help in his battle for F1 survival.

Sao Paulo this year hosts this season’s penultimate race with five drivers still in the hunt to become the new FIA World Championship. But Virgin’s race is very different to that fought at the front.

They are in the race for 10^th place and after their performance in Korea, despite not finishing, they are still confident of beating the other rookie teams.

They were clearly the quickest which Timo Glock displayed comprehensively as he was able to keep the more established teams behind him while he was running in 12^th place. Unfortunately he was taken out by Sebastian Buemi and was unable to finish.

Now Virgin must push on to get a points finish, as none of the new teams have yet scored a World Championship point. The first to do this will almost certainly finish in 10^th and gain the important prize money to help fund their 2011 campaign.

With the superior knowledge of the track which Lucas holds, hopes are high of a successful weekend. But will he be able to put the fears over his future behind him and be focused on the task at hand?

Related posts: