Jules Bianchi still does not realize the opportunity offered by Ferrari
The Frenchman Jules Bianchi will take his Formula 1 baptism on December 1st and 2nd at the wheel of a Ferrari F60. It is as part of the test days reserved for young talents that Bianchi will become the first French driver since Jean Alesi (now Captain of the French FFSA Circuit Team) to get […]
The Frenchman Jules Bianchi will take his Formula 1 baptism on December 1st and 2nd at the wheel of a Ferrari F60. It is as part of the test days reserved for young talents that Bianchi will become the first French driver since Jean Alesi (now Captain of the French FFSA Circuit Team) to get into a red car emblazoned with the prancing horse logo.
« I find it hard to find the right word. I believe I will only truly realize it the day I slip into the Ferrari cockpit, » admits the more than astonished Frenchman. « Ferrari is the team I dreamed of approaching when I was a child. But I keep a cool head; I know it’s only a step and that the road will still be long to reach the career objectives we have set with my manager, Nicolas Todt. In 2010, once the regular season starts, my priority will remain GP2 with ART Grand Prix. »
The Frenchman will drive alongside the top three drivers of the Italian Formula 3 championship, who are traditionally invited by Scuderia Ferrari as a reward for their competitive season across the Alps. Bianchi will take the wheel on the first two days, while his three occasional teammates will share the only Ferrari allowed to drive on the third and final day. The test will take place on the Jerez de la Frontera circuit, where Bianchi impressed last October 6th by setting the best performance of the afternoon while discovering the ART Grand Prix team’s Dallara-Renault.
« I know the Jerez circuit from racing there in GP2 last month. This experience will be beneficial as it will help me find my bearings. I approach this session as a learning opportunity, without pressure but with determination. »
Nicolas Deschaux, President of the FFSA (French Federation of Automobile Sport), took the opportunity to congratulate his protégé: « This first adventure in Formula 1 with Ferrari is a great reward for Jules Bianchi. He deserves it because one can only admire his performances so far. The FFSA is delighted because he is one of the leaders of the FFSA Circuit France Team, and I can reveal that a special commitment from the FFSA will be made in his favor in 2010. »
The French driver should thus be able to benefit from increased financial support from the FFSA as early as next year.
