• Ferrari

F3 driver Bianchi to test for Ferrari

Formula 3 Euroseries champion Jules Bianchi has been lined up to drive for Ferrari at the upcoming young drivers' test in Valencia.

The test is specifically designed to allow drivers who have less than three grand prix worth of Formula One experience to gain some track time. Bianchi is expected to join the top three drivers of Italian F3 at the test, as Ferrari aims to try out new talent over three days at the Spanish track.

Ferrari have never had a junior driver development programme unlike many of their competition. A situation that was very noticeable when they sought a replacement for the injured Felipe Massa at the end of the 2009 season.

"I am really happy," Bianchi told Autosport. "It is a very good thing for me to drive an F1 car, and especially a Ferrari, because for me it is the best team in the world. I will do my best and just learn."

Bianchi is managed by Nicolas Todt who also has Ferrari driver Felipe Massa as a client and enjoys strong links with the team even since his father Jean's departure.

The news of Bianchi's test came as he lined up seventh on the grid for the prestigious Macau Grand Prix, a race which sees the best F3 drivers from across the world competing on the challenging street circuit.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.