Bianchi impresses Ferrari boss

[vcs316]

Head of Ferrari's development academy Luca Baldisserri has been pleased with Jules Bianchi's debut Formula One season to-date.

The 24-year-old Frenchman is highly thought of in the F1 paddock and was in with a shot of taking one of the seats at Force India over the winter, only to be beaten to the seat by Adrian Sutil.

That left him without a drive in Formula One until a late switch at Marussia, saw him step into the team to replace Luiz Razia who had lost his seat due to financial issues.

That move was only completed in March and Bianchi has wasted no time in impressing his new team, finishing 13th in Malaysia, a result that so far places Marussia in the crucial tenth place in the F1 constructors championship ahead of Caterham.

'Jules has completed the move to Formula 1 without any problems,' Baldisserri told Sky Sports.

He continued: '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.

But whilst the development boss was happy with Bianchi's move to Marussia, he was coy over whether or not he will stay with the team.

A recent engine deal between Ferrari and Marussia is reportedly a separate deal to that of Marussia signing Bianchi and it sounds like Ferrari would not be opposed to moving the Frenchman to another team if a more competitive race seat became available.

'Clearly, currently Jules is not in a situation where he can fight in the midfield 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.'

http://www.vitalf1.com/article.asp?a=1861

[Greig]

Baldo = boss?

[Jose Lorca]

But whilst the development boss was happy with Bianchi's move to Marussia, he was coy over whether or not he will stay with the team.

A recent engine deal between Ferrari and Marussia is reportedly a separate deal to that of Marussia signing Bianchi and it sounds like Ferrari would not be opposed to moving the Frenchman to another team if a more competitive race seat became available.

'Clearly, currently Jules is not in a situation where he can fight in the midfield 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.'

http://www.vitalf1.com/article.asp?a=1861

For me, this means Bianchi is not going to be a Ferrari driver next year. It will be nice to see how Bianchi copes in the midfield. His speed is not in doubt. His consistency and ability to handle the pressure will be tested in the midfield.

[Kingdom Hearts]

Baldo = boss?

Boss of the FDA.

[Greig]

Yeah I know, but not the boss

[fratelliferrari]

Indeed he's doing a good job there at Marussia. But it would be good to see how he does at a midfield team first before going to Ferrari.

[Suzie]

Indeed he's doing a good job there at Marussia.

Would be nice if he had a teammate who was more of a benchmark though

[fratelliferrari]

Yes you're right on that one Suzie! I would like to see Robin Frijns in the other Marussia because I think he is really talented as well and he deserves a seat at an F1 team.

[demon2424]

Bianchi is obviously giving a good performance. I won't be sad if he joins ferrari. He may be well fitted in the team.

[NickEice]

Yes you're right on that one Suzie! I would like to see Robin Frijns in the other Marussia because I think he is really talented as well and he deserves a seat at an F1 team.

It has nothing to do with your both being Dutch ;)

Though I do agree with your points. Shame what they did to him though. Sad really.

[NickEice]

I think it's safe to say even if Bianchi doesn't drive for us next year he will be wearing red overalls at some point in his career.

[wisepie]

Bianchi has managed to stay out of trouble and finish most races (as has Chilton) and I'd be happy to see him in red at some point, but he's not that young himself and how long might he have to wait?

[Katu]

Bianchi has managed to stay out of trouble and finish most races (as has Chilton) and I'd be happy to see him in red at some point, but he's not that young himself and how long might he have to wait?

Jules is just 24, half year older than Perez. if you look at the ones who are like 19 coming to F1, then there aren't many who have stayed. think about the youngest debutant Alguersuari, was 19 on his debut race, today is nowhere. there are things you just shouldn't rush

[brembo man]

Bianchi has managed to stay out of trouble and finish most races (as has Chilton) and I'd be happy to see him in red at some point, but he's not that young himself and how long might he have to wait?

White manages to stay in that 19 th finish spot for the most part just racing Chilton. That's how he stays out of trouble. Finishing in 19th is just shy of a every race DNF. If he ever gets up front in the top 12 qualifying, God help anyone near him. He'll make Grosjean look look like a safe risk to be near. Put a Ferrari engine in a Maurissia and give Luiz Razia back his seat he earned but lost because of $$. Smack Todt across his face not once but twice for manuvering White into that F1 seat way too soon. White still belongs in GP2 getting experience out of 19 th place with other drivers in traffic etc. As far as in red, there's no shot replacing Alonso and we all know Massa is the perfect driver for our #2 spot for the next 4 years or more.

[wisepie]

Jules is just 24, half year older than Perez. if you look at the ones who are like 19 coming to F1, then there aren't many who have stayed. think about the youngest debutant Alguersuari, was 19 on his debut race, today is nowhere. there are things you just shouldn't rush

My goodenss, Katu, I actually agree with you for once!! Another good reason to keep Felipe, then!

[kaidu]

maybe Sauber should take Bianchi as compensation for their engine debts...

that would be good midfield training for him :)

[Katu]

My goodenss, Katu, I actually agree with you for once!! Another good reason to keep Felipe, then!

i said that one shouldn't rush with debut, not how long he should spend in midfield, backmarker team to 'earn' somekind of spot in top team, nothing to do with how long Ferrari should keep Felipe.