Friday 27 January 2012

Movement at Ferrari

Bianchi impressed during young driver tests in 2009, '10 and '11
Ferrari Academy and Formula One reserve driver Jules Bianchi was today confirmed as third driver for Sahara Force India for the 2012 season. He will also take part in atleast 9 Friday practice sessions.

The Frenchman, 22 has been part of Ferrari's young driver development program since 2009 having been the first member. He will stay part of the initative but will no longer be a feature in Ferrari's F1 team meaning their number of drivers appears to have now decreased to 6. (Alonso, Massa, Fisichella, Gene, Rigon & Bertolini).

Bigger role for Rigon in 2012
Bianchi was on a training camp in the Canary Isles this week along with race drivers Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa and (former) fellow development driver Davide Rigon. Rigon, who missed most of last year due to a horrific leg injury sustained at Istanbul in a GP2 race last year has now been given a bigger role within the team and will be on call for all demonstrative and promotional activities in 2012 and 2013. “I am very happy to have extended my connection to the most important team in Formula 1,” said the 25 year old Venice native. “This is a great boost for my future after what was a difficult 2011: Ferrari always stood by me... I hope to be able to repay them for the faith they showed in me.” 

Meanwhile, Marc Gene completed important simulator work for the team in Maranello today whilst Giancarlo Fisichella and Andrea Bertolini are over in America competiong in the Rolex 24 at Daytona. All the drivers (besides Bianchi who will be at Silverstone for the Force India Launch) will be back together on the 3rd of February for the launch of Ferrari's new F1 challenger in Maranello.

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