• Young Driver Test

Force India to run Bianchi, Razia and Gonzalez

Jules Bianchi took part in FP1 at Monza for Force India on Friday © Sutton Images

Enlarge

Related Links

• Drivers:
• Jules Bianchi
• |
• Rodolfo Gonzalez
• |
• Vijay Mallya
• |
• Luiz Razia

• Teams:
• Racing Point

Force India has announced that it will run three different drivers at the Young Driver Test at Magny-Cours this week.

The team's third driver Jules Bianchi drives on Wednesday as he shares duties between Force India and Ferrari, while the team is also running GP2 drivers Luis Razia and Rodolfo Gonzalez on Tuesday and Thursday respectively. Team principal Vijay Mallya said Force India was making use of the intended meaning of the test.

"The young driver test is a chance to evaluate promising racers from the junior ranks," Mallya said. "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."

Bianchi said he was pleased to be getting a full day in the car having participated in seven Friday practice sessions so far.

"I'm really happy to be doing the young driver test at my home circuit of Magny-Cours," Bianchi said. "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."

Currently lying in second place in the GP2 series, Razia said he hoped to learn a lot when he opens the three-day test.

"I'm glad that Sahara Force India has given me this great opportunity," Razia said. "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."

Gonzalez added that he had been preparing for the test in the Force India simulator and wants to display his talents on Thursday.

"This test will be a very important day for me and I'm very excited to be working with Sahara Force India," Gonzalez said. "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."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.