- Ferrari
Vergne sees 'excellent opportunity' for 2016 at Ferrari
Jean-Eric Vergne says he would rather be a test driver at Ferrari than with a struggling team at the back of the grid this year.
After being brought through the junior ranks by Red Bull, Vergne drove three full seasons at Toro Rosso before losing his drive in 2015. He was snapped up by Ferrari to work in the team's simulator as a test driver and says he has not been put off by the way things ended with Red Bull.
"No, no disappointment," he told Gazzetta dello Sport. "I know I gave my best and I did my best, and that's why I have no regrets.
"Now I'm at Ferrari, which is also an excellent opportunity for 2016. Even though I won't return this year, it's better than being behind the wheel of a Caterham or Marussia and always struggling at the bottom."
Ex-Sauber driver Esteban Gutierrez has also been brought on board at Ferrari as a third driver, but even though Vergne will not travel to all the races he is happier with his role.
"Honestly, I prefer working on the simulator in order to bring something useful to the team rather than being the reserve. Today, the role of a third driver is to be present at the track without doing anything special. Not being able to help the team would be frustrating, and I feel that my job will be an important task.
"For me it is a big challenge and I am ready to give 100% to help Ferrari return to the top. If we succeed even through a small percentage of my work I will be happy."
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