Jules Bianchi was quickest of the three drivers in action at Magny-Cours today.
The Ferrari driver set a best time of 1’18.070 at the former home of the French Grand Prix. Bianchi was sidelined by an electrical problem on his F2012 which prevented him from going for a quicker time at the end of the session.
“We tried various aerodynamic components which are not big evolutions for the car, but things already tried on Fridays at the races and brought here to confirm some of the data,” he said.
Bianchi’s fellow Formula Renault 3.5 championship rival Sam Bird was third-fastest as he tested a new exhaust on the Mercedes W03.
The pair sandwiched the Force India of Luiz Razia (pictured) which Bianchi will drive tomorrow.
Davide Rigon will take over the Ferrari as he makes his first return to a single-seater since his GP2 crash at Istanbul last year.
| Driver | Team | Time | Gap | Laps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jules Bianchi | Ferrari | 1’18.070 | 87 | |
| Luiz Razia | Force India | 1’18.535 | 0.465 | 65 |
| Sam Bird | Mercedes | 1’19.094 | 1.024 | 95 |
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Image © Ferrari spa/Ercole Colombo
MahavirShah (@mahavirshah)
11th September 2012, 19:44
Sigh… what a farce. The young drivers test was supposed to be about identifying future F1 talents. All that can be identified, if it was not evident before, is that teams can’t be expected to come to a joint decision on even when and where to hold the test. Although holding it in Europe seems to be the better option when compared to holding it at Yas Marina.
AndrewTanner (@andrewtanner)
11th September 2012, 21:13
@mahavirshah I don’t think it’s that much of a problem to be honest. Sure, it looks silly, but it gives the teams that do attend more track space to do what they need, it’s probably better that way!
AdrianMorse (@adrianmorse)
11th September 2012, 19:47
Bianchi has shown a lot of speed in FR3.5 this year, even if his consistency can still be improved. With Bianchi driving another F1 car tomorrow, he’s getting a lot (relative to this day and age of limited in-season testing) of F1 experience under his belt, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him race in F1 next year, especially if he manages to win the Formula Renault 3.5 championship. Not for Ferrari, obviously, but Force India is certainly a possibility if either of the current FI drivers moves on to greener pastures.
Kingshark (@kingshark)
11th September 2012, 20:46
Why are Robert Wickens and Robin Frijns not getting a chance? :(
verstappen (@verstappen)
11th September 2012, 22:02
Frijns will drive a Sauber and a Red Bull at Abu Dahbi…
Kingshark (@kingshark)
11th September 2012, 23:20
OK. I feel better now. :)
Seriously, I firmly believe Wickens is turning into a talent rotting away. He wasted this season in DTM because he doesn’t have the sponsorship money for F1.
jhr9988 (@rhj8899)
12th September 2012, 5:41
Is Sam Bird becoming Mercedes’ “Gary Paffet”?
Eggry (@eggry)
12th September 2012, 10:25
That might be correct. I can’t see he become Mercedes-related F1 driver. at least for now.
xeroxpt (@)
12th September 2012, 20:38
I don’t understand is Razia driving the Ferrari?