D'Ambrosio joins DAMS

The 21-year-old Belgian, who won this year's International Formula Master title, will step up to the Formula One support class as team-mate to Japanese rookie Kamui Kobayashi.

D'Ambrosio said: "I am really happy to drive for DAMS in 2008. The team has a great experience and I think that we will be able to do a good job together.

"The GP2 has show in the last three years to be the baseline for any driver who wants to move up to Formula one, so it's fantastic for me to be here and I will try to use this opportunity in the best possible way."

D'Ambrosio's performances in Formula Master attracted the interest of team boss Jean-Paul Driot, who ran Kazuki Nakajima and Nicolas Lapierre this year.

"Jerome has proved his talent winning the Formula master championship," said Driot. "Having encountered some past difficulties to finance his sporting carrier, he is now supported by a sponsor who will give him the opportunity to perform on the track.

"DAMS will be closed to him to give him the best material and human environment. His association with another very good talent promises a good 2008 season for DAMS."

DAMS won two races this year, both with Lapierre, but it was Nakajima, who will race in Formula One with Williams this year, who delivered the goods, coming home fifth in the championship.