Bianchi: Ferrari remains long-term goal

Jules Bianchi stood out with Ferrari by setting the best time of the second day of testing at Silverstone with a time of 1'35"262 achieved at the wheel of the F14 T where he replaced Kimi Räikkönen. The resident of the Ferrari Driver Academy has thus evolved to the rhythm of Fernando Alonso during free practice for the British Grand Prix. “I learned that I was replacing Kimi on Monday evening,” declared the Marussia driver who won his first points in Monaco. “I think I was consistent and had good times. The track evolved and it was difficult to compare everything, but it's always a good thing to achieve good times by being consistent. The Ferrari has more downforce compared to the Marussia and is more efficient in fast corners. We can't really compare because the wind changed between the two days of testing. The tires were not the same, the quantities of gasoline were also different…”

This session in any case allowed Jules Bianchi to recall good memories with Maranello at a time when Kimi Räikkönen is having a disappointing season with the Scuderia. However, the Frenchman seems ready to show patience in the hope of securing a starting place within the Italian team. “It’s the goal to get there one day since I’m part of the academy. I have to prove to them that I am ready in any case. They have two good drivers at the moment who are doing a good job and I don't think that's the plan. It is not planned for next year because they have already planned something else for the other drivers. I will concentrate on what I have to do with Marussia and try to get good results. I think I have proven that I can do good work when given an opportunity and it is very important for me to continue like this. If they ever want me, I'll be there. »

Photos of the Silverstone tests can be viewed on this link. The gallery of 18-inch tires tested by Lotus is accessible here.