Nov.28 (GMM) Virgin on Sunday finally confirmed the open secret about its 2012 driver lineup.

With Timo Glock already signed for next season, the team - to be renamed Marussia - announced that French rookie Charles Pic is replacing Jerome d'Ambrosio.

Pic, 21, is mentored by Olivier Panis and reportedly backed financially by his family's business Groupe Charles Andre, a leading European freight company.

A GP2 driver in the past two seasons and fourth in 2011, Pic made his F1 debut recently at the Abu Dhabi young driver test.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank Jerome d'Ambrosio for his hard work and important contribution to our team over the past 12 months or more," said team boss John Booth.

"He has an exciting future to look forward to I'm sure and we wish him every success."

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