Wirth backs D'Ambrosio to shine

Jerome D'Ambrosio will do himself and Virgin Racing proud in 2011 as he embarks on his debut season in Formula 1.

That is the view of the team's technical director Nick Wirth, who reckons that the Belgian has all the tools he needs to make a good impression this year.

"Of all the teams, and certainly the 'old' new teams coming in, he has chosen a good one," Wirth said on the main stage at the AUTOSPORT International Show.

"He has moved to Oxford so he can use our simulator as often as he likes - and that means he can pound around and learn all the circuits. We will give him a good platform - and we are excited about the new car.

"He has an ideal opportunity to show the world what he can do - and he will do himself and his team proud."

D'Ambrosio himself is eager to get on with the season, and believes one of the key things for him in 2011 will be learning as much as he can off experienced team-mate Timo Glock.

"I can learn a lot of things from Timo," he said. "He is a very open guy, and that is very important for me because we get along well. He has had front rows in qualifying, he has finished on the podium, so I have to get down to work and I will try to reach a very good level as quickly as I can."