Fernando Alonso 'very proud' of Jules Bianchi after first F1 points

[vcs316]

Fernando Alonso says he is "proud" of Ferrari junior driver Jules Bianchi, after the Frenchman claimed Marussia's maiden Formula 1 points in the Monaco Grand Prix.

Bianchi took advantage of rivals' mistakes and attrition to drive from the back of the grid to ninth in Sunday's race, following an overnight gearbox change after qualifying on Saturday.

The two points Bianchi earned for Marussia means fellow minnow Caterham is now the team with the most starts to its name without scoring a point in F1 history.

Marussia takes a supply of customer engines from Ferrari, as well as running Ferrari Academy graduate Bianchi in one of its cars, and works team driver Alonso said he hoped the result would help propel Bianchi further up the grid.

"It's fantastic and I am happy for him," Alonso said.

"Jules is not only a Ferrari Academy guy, he is also a friend.

"We spend a lot of time together in Maranello, we play football, we cycle, [and] we travel together for some races.

"I am extremely happy for him, [and] very proud for what this result will mean for his career.

"I have no doubts it will be a good career, but hopefully with this result he can have a more competitive car next year and show his talents even more."

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/114146?

[Kingdom Hearts]

Nice words, I think Ferrari should try to put him on Sauber for next year, if he shines there, maybe is time to bring him to Ferrari.

[fratelliferrari]

I am very happy for Bianchi too :-D I really hope he drives for us one day!

[Hornet]

Bianchi certainly needs a better drive in a mid field team like Sauber to prove himself, unfortunately these days even among mid field teams, sponsorship money is more important

Would be nice if Ferrari had a B team like RB's Torro Rosso where we can put our young drivers in and give them a chance to prove themself.

[sachin]

Nice words, I think Ferrari should try to put him on Sauber for next year, if he shines there, maybe is time to bring him to Ferrari.

As of now the points table suggests that Marussia is a better car than Sauber.;-):-D

[Nero Horse]

I think Bianchi is a big talent and I really hope he's going to become a Ferrari race driver someday, cause I believe he will become a great driver in the future. He already is a good driver but I really believe he's got what it takes to become a truly great driver. If I were calling the shots at Ferrari then I would certainly have Bianchi earmarked to becoming the next Ferrari driver when either Alonso or Kimi leaves, and maybe Luca has him earmarked too, especially after that fine performance in Monaco. Was really happy to see Bianchi getting such a good result.

[Nova]

What Alo is really saying is that he wants Bianchi as his teammate. That is, if he stays at Ferrari.

[Apocaly]

I think Bianchi is a big talent and I really hope he's going to become a Ferrari race driver someday, cause I believe he will become a great driver in the future. He already is a good driver but I really believe he's got what it takes to become a truly great driver. If I were calling the shots at Ferrari then I would certainly have Bianchi earmarked to becoming the next Ferrari driver when either Alonso or Kimi leaves, and maybe Luca has him earmarked too, especially after that fine performance in Monaco. Was really happy to see Bianchi getting such a good result.

2015 : Test Driver Ferrari
2016 : Alonso-Bianchi

:3

very proud of Jules Bianchi. VIVE LA FRANCE !

[Katu]

test driver today means nothing, since there's almost no testing at all

[FranksterGM]

Good on him...
Another drive with Italian heritage doing well.

[shamim179]

He's doing good so far but we need to see how he fares against a more experienced driver and in a different car. Still early days with him but he's going in the right direction. Would be good if he lands a drive with Sauber next year. Unlikely to see him at Ferrari before 2017.

[abbottcostello]

test driver today means nothing, since there's almost no testing at all

+1

[Suzie]

Wouldn't be disappointed to see him at Ferrari sooner rather than later at all. His manager's Nicolas Todt as well who obviously is used to dealing with Ferrari.

[theforce]

Alsonso secretly telling Ferrari who to replace him with once he changes teams himself;-)

[wisepie]

I am very happy for Bianchi too :-D I really hope he drives for us one day!

Agreed fratelli, would be nice to have an Italian name in a Ferrari, even if he is French!