Force India announce Frenchman Jules Bianchi as 2012 reserve driver
FORCE India has announced 22-year-old Frenchman Jules Bianchi has joined the team as its reserve driver for the 2012 season.
The Silverstone-based squad has already named German Nico Hulkenberg and Britain’s Paul di Resta as its main drivers for the season, but announced on Friday Bianchi would join them as reserve driver, taking part in Friday practice sessions on grand prix weekends.
The former GP2 driver is expected to get his first run in the VJM05 during pre-season testing next month.
He said: “I’m obviously excited to join Force India and the chance to get track time during race weekends is an important step for me.
“Being regularly in a current car is the best way to learn quickly and I hope it will put me in a strong position to one day move into a race seat.
“The next few months will be really exciting as I get to know the team, see how they work, and prepare for my time in the car.
“I would like to thank everyone for believing in me and especially Force India for giving me this great opportunity.”
Commenting on the team’s latest signing, Vijay Mallya, team principal, said: “I am delighted to welcome Jules into the Force India family.
“We always keep an eye on young, talented drivers, and his performance in GP2 certainly impressed us all.
“By giving Jules the opportunity to be part of our 2012 campaign, we continue to demonstrate our commitment to young drivers.
“We are proud of our track record in this regard and I have no doubt Jules will quickly settle into the team and make a valuable contribution to our efforts on track this season.”
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