JANUARY 27, 2012

Force India Friday seat for Bianchi

Jules Bianchi has joined Force India as reserve driver for 2012.

Jules Bianchi has joined Force India as reserve driver for 2012.

The 22-year-old Frenchman will be integrated in the team's programme and will participate in a minimum of nine Friday practice sessions during GP weekends. He will have his first run in the new VJM05 during pre-season testing next month.

"I'm obviously excited to join Sahara Force India and the chance to get track time during race weekends is an important step for me," said the former Lotus ART GP2 driver who finished third in the series in both 2010 and 2011.

"Being regularly in a current car is the best way to learn quickly and I hope it will put me in a strong position to one day move into a race seat. The next few months will be really exciting as I get to know the team, see how they work, and prepare for my time in the car."

Force India gave Paul Di Resta a third river role before his promotion to a full race seat in 2011 and Nico Hulkenberg joins him as a race driver this year after doing Fridays for the team last season.

"We always keep an eye on young, talented drivers and Jules' performance in GP2 certainly impressed us all," said team principal Vijay Mallya. "By giving him the opportunity to be part of our 2012 campaign, we continue to demonstrate our commitment to young drivers."