Bianchi signs long-term with Ferrari
Formula 3 Euro Series champion Jules Bianchi has signed an agreement with Ferrari that places him with the Scuderia for the long term. The 20-year-old Frenchman does not have a defined role within the team, but he could become a test and reserve driver following his first Formula 1 outing in Jerez this week. “We […]
Formula 3 Euro Series champion Jules Bianchi has signed an agreement with Ferrari that places him with the Scuderia for the long term. The 20-year-old Frenchman does not have a defined role within the team, but he could become a test and reserve driver following his first Formula 1 outing in Jerez this week.
“We are very happy to engage in this long-term operation, completed some time ago,” said Bianchi’s manager, the equally French Nicolas Todt. “His role is not defined for the moment, but from now on, he will be at Ferrari’s disposal. His first task was obviously this young driver test with Ferrari.”
Ferrari has not officially announced its test and reserve drivers for 2010, even though it has Giancarlo Fisichella, Luca Badoer, and Marc Gene under contract in addition to its race drivers, Felipe Massa and Fernando Alonso.
« I am happier, » admits Bianchi, whose program for next year lies with GP2 driving for the ART team: « It’s very difficult to explain what I feel, but it’s something very special. I know it’s the first step in a journey that could turn out to be very good, but I am also aware that there is a long way to go before reaching Formula 1. »
