Pic and Glock will drive for Marussia in 2012

Charles Pic will therefore team up with Timo Glock next season within the Marussia Virgin Racing team. The Frenchman replaces Jérôme d’Ambrosio, who, despite strong performances in 2011 for his F1 debut, was not retained.

The French driver has already had the opportunity to meet the members of the Marussia team and to work with them during a day and a half at the young drivers’ test held in Abu Dhabi. The French driver learned a lot on this occasion and is delighted to have satisfied Marussia and to have been chosen to drive for them in 2012.

«I am really delighted to take this step towards Formula 1 with Marussia Virgin Racing. As a driver, you always feel ready for the next opportunity, but in Abu Dhabi last week, it was a tough test. The team has offered me incredible opportunities to learn new things, but I also knew I had to impress them and show that I was ready to do a good job. I am pleased with my performance, and the team is too, of course, so it was a good start, but it’s only the beginning, and I know a lot of work awaits me, » Charles Pic stated in the Marussia Virgin press release.

I really like the team; we worked together during these tests and I felt comfortable. They want to do things the right way, and I can see there’s a real determination to succeed, so it’s very special for me to be part of this. I’m looking forward to working in every area this winter to ensure I will be ready for the start of testing and for my first Grand Prix, the Frenchman added.

John Booth, the director of the Marussia Virgin Racing team, expressed his delight at the signing of the former GP2 driver for 2012. He also revealed that the native of Montélimar had been on their radar for a few years already.

“I am delighted to welcome Charles to Marussia Virgin Racing as Timo’s teammate for 2012. We always keep an eye on the lower categories and Charles is someone we have been watching for several years. The real gauge, however, was the young driver tests in Abu Dhabi last week, where we put him through tough tests to evaluate his potential,” said John Booth.

For his big debut in a Formula 1 single-seater in Abu Dhabi, Charles Pic convinced the officials and engineers of Team Marussia.

«It was his first time in a Formula 1 single-seater, so it must have been quite intimidating, but Charles was very focused on what he had to do and managed to rise to the challenge.»

The head of the Marussia Virgin team also wanted to pay tribute to Pic’s predecessor, Jérome d’Ambrosio, who has not disappointed this season.

I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank Jérôme d’Ambrosio for his work and significant contribution to our team over the past 12 months and beyond. I am convinced that he has an exciting future ahead of him, and we wish him success, added Booth.