Virgin Racing have decided not to extend the contract of Jerome D'Ambrosio for next season
Frenchman to take over for 2012 season
Virgin Racing have decided not to extend the contract of Jerome D'Ambrosio and have instead appointed Frenchman Charles Pic for 2012.
D'Ambrosio scored the team's two highest finishes of the season of 14th in Australia and Canada, but Pic, 21, who first sat behind the wheel of an F1 car two weeks ago, has been picked to partner Timo Glock next season in a team that will be known as Marussia.
Pic has considerable financial backing as his family own the Groupe Charles Andre conglomerate - one of Europe's leading transport companies.
Team principal John Booth said: "We naturally keep a close eye on the junior formulae and Charles is certainly someone we have been watching over the past few years.
"The real barometer, however, was our young driver test where we put him through a series of tough tests to thoroughly evaluate his potential.
"It was his first time in a Formula One car so it should have been quite daunting, however he was extremely focused on what needed to be done and absolutely rose to the challenge."
Pic finished fourth in the feeder GP2 Series this year, winning two races, claiming three poles and finishing on the podium five times.
Pic added: "I like the team a lot, I feel very comfortable. They want to do things the right way and I can see there is a lot of determination to succeed, so it is very special for me to be part of that."
