D’AMBROSIO FASTEST ROOKIE IN GP2

Formula Master Champion Jérôme D’Ambrosio claimed the fastest time set by a GP2 rookie today at Paul Ricard, France, driving for Campos Grand Prix as his prize for clinching this year’s inaugural drivers title.

The 21-year-old completed 84-laps throughout the day, setting a fastest time of 1:14.123 as he familiarised himself with the new car.

“Driving today was fantastic,” said D’Ambrosio, who has never tested a GP2 car before. “It’s faster than anything I’ve tested before and you brake much later. It’s very different to what I’m used to but I didn’t have a problem adapting. I was fast this morning despite red flags on one of my runs and my best time wasn’t even on new tyres.

“The team is happy and I had a really good day, especially with setting the ‘best rookie’ time. Now I have to concentrate on tomorrow’s test with Arden Racing and let’s see what the future brings.”Keeping his Formula Master racing number (#25) by coincidence Providing feedback on the day, team principal Adrian Campos said: “D’Ambrosio is a very talented driver. I am especially happy with how he worked with the team all day long, showing professionalism at all times.”

Formula Master’s status as a promising feeder series to motorsport’s highest echelons was further re-enforced with four other GP2 teams confirmed as running drivers from the international Series this week.

Marcello Puglisi drove for the Minardi Piquet team today in his first of a two-day commitment with the team, whilst Kasper Andersen tested for FMS International.

Champion D’Ambrosio will join Arden Racing tomorrow and runner-up Chris van der Drift is set to test for Trident Racing as he joins his former Formula Master contenders in France on Thursday and Friday (01-02/11/07).