Ferrari is trying to find a regular Formula One role for French driver Jules Bianchi, who has also been linked to the vacant Force India race seat.
Team principal Stefano Domenicali assured reporters at the ‘Wroom’ media event in the Italian Dolomites on Wednesday that “we are currently trying to find him a role in F1 and when we have some news, we will let you know.”
Bianchi, a member of Ferrari’s driver academy, was the Force India reserve last season and took part in several Friday practice sessions for the Mercedes-engined team.
Media reports have speculated that Force India could be mulling a switch to Ferrari engines in 2014 with Bianchi, whose manager Nicolas Todt also looks after Ferrari driver Felipe Massa, part of the package.
Force India have yet to name a replacement for Germany’s Nico Hulkenberg, who has moved to Ferrari-powered Sauber, with the first pre-season test due to start on Feb 5th. Britain’s Paul Di Resta is their other driver.
Germany’s Adrian Sutil, a former Force India driver who sat out last season, is also considered a front-runner for the coveted race seat. (Reuters)
Subbed by AJN.