Having spent four years each in Formula Three and GP2, Lucas di Grassi's elevation to Formula One marks the final step in a natural progression to the pinnacle of motorsport.
Without a Championship title to his name, di Grassi may lack some of the glitz and glamour possessed by many of his counterparts, but he has shown himself to be a solid and consistent driver.
Di Grassi claimed five race wins during his time in Formula Three, finishing runner-up in the Formula 3 SudAmericana Championship in 2003 and third in the 2005 Formula 3 Euroseries title race, behind Lewis Hamilton and Adrian Sutil.
2005 also marked the beginning of di Grassi's association with Manor Motorsport, a relationship that would bare fruit for the 25-year-old down the line.
Di Grassi's move to GP2 in 2006 was not immediately profitable, claiming only 8 points in the entire season. Following a from Durango to ART Grand Prix in 2007, the driver proved his worth, finishing behind title winner Timo Glock in the Championship.
The São Paulo native enjoyed further success in 2008 and 2009, finishing third in the Championship in both seasons.
Having been given his first taste of F1 in 2008 when he took part in an end of year test with Honda, di Grassi performed the role of Renault test driver for the 2009 season before he crossing the paddock to join Virgin racing in 2010.
