Jules Bianchi says he’s eyeing up an important role in Formula 1 for the 2012 season in order to secure a race seat the following year.
The Frenchman, currently Ferrari’s test and reserve driver, has been linked with a third driver role at Force India, possibly giving him the chance to compete on a Friday during a practice session, replacing either Paul di Resta or Nico Hulkenberg.
That would enable Bianchi to build up the required experience before jumping into a full-time race seat, quite possible at Ferrari as the Italian outfit looks to drop Felipe Massa once his contract expires.
“I will try to play an important role in Formula One [this year] in order to gather as much information and experience as I can and get a cockpit in 2013,” said the 22-year-old.
“The goal is to find a team that allows me the most mileage and [at the same time] I can still stay with Ferrari,” thus suggesting he wishes to remain in the frame for a seat alongside Fernando Alonso.
Though Bianchi failed to win the GP2 crown in 2010 or 2011, both of which he finished third, he believes he is ready to make the jump to F1.
“I feel ready for F1 already in 2012, but I must stay on the ground,” he added. “It’s a little hard, but that’s what Formula One is like. I will not give up and will try for a fresh start in 2013.”
