Ferrari pleased with Jules Bianchi after ‘fundamental’ move

Jules Bianchi

Luca Baldisserri, head of the Ferrari driver academy, says he is pleased with the progress Jules Bianchi has shown in his debut season with Marussia.

Bianchi, who raced in GP2 in 2010 and 2011, moved into the Formula Renault 3.5 Series in 2012 but was unable to win the championship, which went to Robin Frijns.

Bianchi has also tested for Ferrari in several young driver tests and participated in nine Friday practice sessions for Force India last season.

Bianchi was set to continue in that role for 2013 but joined Marussia during the final pre-season test in March and has registered a best finish of thirteenth place.

“Jules has completed the move to Formula 1 without any problems,” said Baldisserri.

“He has become the benchmark driver for the team, gaining its confidence at the track. I consider it a fundamental move, especially in Formula 1.”

Bianchi has not yet been beaten by team-mate Max Chilton in either qualifying or the race and has retired only twice, courtesy of a brake issue in Monaco and an engine failure in Germany.

Baldisserri believes Bianchi has improved his mind management, but that it can be improved further if the Frenchman is to move into the midfield.

“Recently we spent a bit of time together in Maranello to assess the situation. We will continue to concentrate on stress management, an aspect where he has already made great progress, even if there is still room for improvement.”

“Clearly, currently Jules is not in a situation where he can fight in the mid-field and for the future, it will be important to know if his presence in Formula 1 will have some continuity and in that case, what could be the potential of his team.”