Belgian Formula 1 fans will once again have a home-grown driver to cheer for as Jerome d’Ambrosio makes his Belgian Grand Prix debut behind the wheel of an F1 car.
The 25-year-old is raring to go after a four week break and says his aim is to enjoy every moment of the race around the 7km, 44-lap Spa-Francorchamps circuit.
“I have been looking forward to my first Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix for a very long time, and now that the weekend has finally arrived I have to say that I am really excited and I can’t wait to race in front of my home fans,” said d’Ambrosio.
The last Belgian F1 driver was Philippe Adams who competed in just two races for Team Lotus in 1994; the Belgian and Portuguese GP’s. He failed to finish his home race after spinning off on lap 15.
D’Ambrosio aims to do a little better than Adams, 17 years later.
“It’s been a long time since Belgium had a Formula 1 driver, so it’s going to be a very special weekend both for me and the fans and I’m going to try to enjoy every moment.
“There’s nothing like racing at home and Spa is clearly one of my absolute favourite circuits. Its layout gives everything one could want as a driver – fast corners, hills and long straights. It really is one of the most challenging laps in the world. And we can’t forget the legendary corner of Eau Rouge. It’s just amazing!”