F1 deal is birthday and Christmas present - d’Ambrosio

Jerome d’Ambrosio has described securing his formula one debut for 2011 as the ultimate birthday and Christmas present.

Although described in Virgin’s press release as 25, the Belgian rookie is actually still 24 until two days after Christmas.

The new British team announced on Tuesday that he is replacing Brazilian Lucas di Grassi for the 2011 season.

"It’s a nice Christmas gift but also a birthday present - I was born on December 27," he told Belgian television RTBF.

"This has come after many weeks of waiting, and everything finally came together just recently.

"I didn’t sleep last night because I was so excited," confirmed d’Ambrosio, Renault’s 2010 F1 reserve who finished the season as Virgin’s Friday driver.

"I only heard the news last night and it was hugely emotional. Doing a grand prix season is a dream come true, but now is the time to start working," he added.