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D'Ambrosio confident of race seat

ESPNF1 Staff
December 14, 2011 « Hamilton defends management team | Kolles and HRT part ways »
Jerome d'Ambrosio was dropped after a solid if unspectacular season with Virgin © Sutton Images
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Jerome d'Ambrosio says that he is confident of getting a race seat in 2012 and that "a reserve role is not the priority".

After being replaced by Charles Pic at Virgin, d'Ambrosio's options appeared to be limited, especially so after both seats were taken at Renault. However, d'Ambrosio told La Derniere Heure that Renault was never an option for a race seat, while also saying that he is sure that he will remain in the sport next season.

"For me, nothing has really changed since Brazil," d'Ambrosio said. "Not even the signing of Romain Grosjean with Lotus Renault, as it has never really been an option for me. One way or another, I will be in F1 in 2012. And a reserve role is not the priority at the moment."

The report said HRT, Caterham and Williams are the teams targeted by d'Ambrosio's management, with his manager Benjamin Mignot saying he has "high hopes" that he will be "on the grid in 2012".

"At this stage we are still in discussions with three of the five teams that have seats for 2012," said Mignot. "To tell the truth, we have been able to raise so far a very reasonable amount for a very consistent driver -- to develop a car, it's not just about money. I get calls daily but it (the market) is not going to move before the holidays. Even if it doesn't work out, there are third driver positions where you can even drive on the Fridays at grands prix."

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