Bianchi: “I deserve a seat in F1”

Jules Bianchi considers himself ready to don the suit of a full-time Formula 1 driver for the 2013 season. The Frenchman, who serves as the third driver for the Force India team, hopes to be promoted to replace Nico Hülkenberg, who is moving to Sauber.

« I learned a lot as the third driver and during my runs in Free Practice 1. Even though I had already driven an F1 car during the young driver tests in Abu Dhabi last year as well as in Jerez, it’s not the same to drive during a race weekend because you have a lot of pressure, » says the one who is also part of the Ferrari Driver Academy.

In parallel to his role at Force India, Bianchi was engaged in the Formula Renault 3.5 championship in which he fought for the title until the last race against the Dutchman Robin Frijns, who ultimately won the crown. Following the disappointment of the defeat, Bianchi now thinks about the next step in his career and Formula 1: « I believe I’ve had a good season in the World Series and have done a good job with Force India as well, so I think I’m ready and deserve a seat in F1. I hope I will find a starting position for next year, it would be a dream. »

Force India will officially announce its two drivers only at the end of the current season which will conclude on November 25 in Brazil. Paul di Resta is already confirmed to continue, but who will be at the wheel of the second Force India? The fact that Bianchi has to drive on Friday morning during the first practice session of the United States Grand Prix, while it was initially planned to let both incumbents take advantage of the maximum track time, is probably no coincidence.