D'Ambrosio confirmed as Mercedes' new driver development director

Former F1 racer and Formula E team boss Jerome d'Ambrosio has been confirmed by Mercedes as the team's new director of driver development.

D'Ambrosio, who raced for Marussia in F1 before applying his skills to Formula E, was an attentive visitor to the Mercedes garage during pre-season testing.

Team boss Toto Wolff justified the Belgian's presence as "a friend" whom Mercedes may be working with in the future, although Wolff did not elaborate on the responsibilities that could be entrusted to the former driver.

D'Ambrosio - a three-time winner in Formula E - is well acquainted with the Wolff family, having worked alongside former Venturi FE CEO Susie Wolff as the Monaco-based outfit's team principal.

• Read also: Former Red Bull COO Jayne Poole transfers to Mercedes

On Thursday, the 37-year-old appeared in the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix paddock Jeddah in Mercedes team kit, which obviously implied that he now held an officially role with the Brackley squad.

Mercedes confirmed that d'Ambrosio will look after the team's roster of young drivers racing in various categories.

His duties will include overseeing the development of Mercedes' young talent, and managing their careers, a set of responsibilities previously entrusted to James Vowles before the former strategist's move to Williams.

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