10/09/2012
NEWS STORY
Jules Bianchi, Luiz Razia and Rodolfo Gonzalez will be in action for Sahara Force India at the forthcoming young driver test at Magny-Cours.
Bianchi, the team's third driver and who has completed seven free practice sessions already this season, is joined by 23-year-old Razia who is currently second in the GP2 Series. The Brazilian will drive the VJM05 on Tuesday with Bianchi taking over for the second day of running on Wednesday. 26-year-old Gonzalez, who is also competing in the GP2 Series, will drive the VJM05 for the final day of testing on Thursday.
"The young driver test is a chance to evaluate promising racers from the junior ranks," said Vijay Mallya. "It's something we take very seriously and we have always tried to give young drivers time in the car whenever possible. We know Jules very well from his work during Friday practice sessions and it will be valuable for him to spend a full day in the car. Luiz and Rodolfo are both established GP2 racers and I look forward to seeing how they get on."
"I'm really happy to be doing the young driver test at my home circuit of Magny-Cours," said Bianchi, who will also be in action for Ferrari over the course of the three-day test. "It's a track I really enjoy and I've raced there a few times in Formula Renault. The team has already given me lots of opportunities to drive during practice sessions, but I'm really looking forward to getting a full day in the car."
"I'm glad that Sahara Force India has given me this great opportunity," said Razia. "It's a chance to work with an established team and I'm sure I will learn a lot from the experience. I've raced at the Magny-Cours circuit before in the junior categories and enjoy the track. It's very smooth with some quick corners so it will be a good venue for testing. My objective is simply to follow the programme and help the team as much as possible."
"This test will be a very important day for me and I'm very excited to be working with Sahara Force India," added Gonzalez. "I've driven a few Formula One cars before so I just want to build on that experience and show the team what I can do. The team has been very helpful and given me time on the simulator at the factory so I feel well prepared to make the most of this chance."