Renault partners with DAMS for young driver program

Following the announcement of the creation of the Renault F1 Driver Programme yesterday in Valencia (Spain), DAMS is proud to have been chosen as a partner in this new adventure. In 2010, it will run the two F1 Renault reserve drivers, Ho-Pin Tung and Jérôme d’Ambrosio, who will race in the GP2 Series in cars bearing the Renault colours. Thus, DAMS will become the Renault F1 Junior Team in GP2, the formula that opens the door to the top category in motor racing.

In order to stack all the odds in its favour, DAMS has decided to beef up its staff. The team is delighted to announce the arrival of Loïc David as general manager, and Yannick Hubert who has joined it as track engineer.

Jean Paul Driot, CEO: “I’m very proud that DAMS is now running in the mythic Renault F1 colours. For the last twenty-one years DAMS has won in many branches of the sport, and my aim in 2010 is to honour this partnership with many victories in the GP2 Series. Our new management structure and the recruitment of new engineers should help us achieve very good performances.”

Jérôme d’Ambrosio Nationality: Belgian
Date of birth: 27th December 1985

The young 25-year-old Belgian driver has joined the RF1 Driver Programme after two years in the GP2 Series with DAMS. Before that, Jérôme raced in the European Formula Renault Championship, and then the International Masters, which he won in 2007.

“After two seasons in GP2 I feel I’m ready to fight for the title in 2010: that’s my aim. I know the team and its working methods like the back of my hand and I also know the circuits we’ll be racing on this year. In addition, driving a black and yellow car will be something very special and I’m determined to defend these colours in the way they deserve.”

Ho-Pin Tung Nationality: Chinese
Date of birth: 4th December 1982

Ho-Pin Tung joins DAMS with a lot of experience in motor racing. Aged twenty-six, he tested the Williams F1 car last year. In December in the tests reserved for rookies, he collaborated with the Renault F1 Team enabling him to use the experience accumulated in the GP2 Series, A1GP and the Superleague Formula.

“I’m very happy to make my return to a formula which places the greatest demands on driver skills. I feel I’m ready to take up this challenge and show that the team has made the right choice by selecting me. I’m delighted to join the prestigious Dams squad and I hope I’ll be able to add more victories to its laurels this season.”