Bianchi: « It’s always nice to drive an F1, especially a Ferrari »

This Tuesday at Magny-Cours, Jules Bianchi got behind the wheel of the F2012, usually driven by Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa, for the first time this season. The French driver finished at the top of the timesheet, without really being troubled, except for an issue that immobilized his car on the track: « We had an electrical issue, I’m not quite sure, an electronic problem, they’re looking into what it is but nothing worrisome. »

During this first day of testing for the Scuderia, which will be followed by a second day on Thursday, the Frenchman mainly had the task of adapting to a car he was not familiar with at all: « Today, we tested some slightly different aerodynamic solutions that we brought here, no major developments on the car but things that have already been tested on Friday, but for which the data needs to be confirmed. And then it was a lot of adaptation for me, with the car, because in fact, I had never driven this car before, this year. We adjusted the settings a bit to make me feel a little more comfortable and just enhance my experience a bit, which was important. »

When asked if he took a long time to adapt to the car, the Frenchman admits he was surprised himself: « Strangely, not really because I felt comfortable from the first laps. If you look at the lap times, I was in rhythm right away. It’s true that it’s hard to say because there aren’t many people driving, in any case, I felt comfortable, we adjusted the car little by little throughout the day and then, at the end of the day, we put on new tires to try to see the lap time a bit more, and that’s when I had my electronic issue so I couldn’t see the performance, but I felt comfortable with the car all day so it was rather positive. »

Regarding the circuit, Jules Bianchi recalls that he knows it from having raced there in Formula Renault and Formula 3: « Obviously, I really enjoy it. There are different types of corners, fast ones, chicanes, slow corners, and of course the hairpin. There’s simply everything. I like this circuit and I think we should have a race here. » The Frenchman also thinks that the Nevers track is an interesting choice for testing: « You have three corners that are important for aerodynamics, then you also have the hairpin for traction. »

As for driving in France, on his home turf, the Frenchman does not hide that it is inevitably a bit emotional and even adds that it is pleasing: After all, we are here to work, I had to give my best. Even if it wasn’t the performance we were looking for, I just had to be consistent and manage to be steady on all the laps. Then, of course, driving in France, in a Ferrari, is great. Now, the goal is to race, so that’s why I’m working hard.

But Jules Bianchi also enjoyed a privilege that not everyone gets, that of driving a Ferrari Formula One car: « Of course, it’s always an emotion to drive a Ferrari. I’ve always appreciated it, even if I hadn’t driven it for a long time. It’s always nice to drive a Formula One car, especially a Ferrari. »

The Frenchman assures, however, that even if he has been selected by Ferrari – and Force India -, it should not be seen as a sign: « Basically, I have a contract with Ferrari and with Force India, so I do the tests for them and that’s why I’m here. I have known for a long time that I was going to come to the Young Driver Tests, so it’s not really a surprise for me. »

As for whether he will race for Ferrari in the future, the Nice native remains grounded and reminds others of his priorities: « Whether it’s with Ferrari or someone else, I need to secure a main driver spot next year, so that’s why I’m trying to do my best and then we’ll see. [For 2013,] we’re definitely in some talks, but well, it’s not easy. As long as many drivers haven’t re-signed, we don’t really know where we’re going. In any case, my goal is to do well in everything I undertake, that means the Young Driver Tests and also the World Series on the side. »

In the meantime, tomorrow, the Frenchman will take the wheel of the Force India, a car he knows better than the F2012 since he is the third driver: « It’s going to be new, I’ve never done this before, so it’s a great experience for me. I simply enjoy trying two cars in two days, I don’t think many drivers have done that in the past. You just have to stay focused and think about everything that might be different because it’s certainly a Formula One, but everything is different, the steering wheel for example, so I will have to stay focused. »

The Ferrari Driver Academy driver won’t stop there, as after his three days of testing on Friday, he will participate in the World Series by Renault meeting where he can still contend for the title: « It’s true that I’ve driven a lot this week, I’ll need to stay focused to adapt to the car every time. » And after, Monday? « Monday? It will be my car, to drive home. »

From our correspondent in Magny-Cours.