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Bianchi to test for Force India

ESPN Staff
February 4, 2013 « Toro Rosso unveils STR8 | Hamilton 'pushing already' at Mercedes »
Jules Bianchi drove the VJM05 on numerous occasions last year © Sutton Images
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Force India has confirmed that Jules Bianchi will get time to test the team's new VJM06 this week at Jerez.

At the launch of the new car at Silverstone last week, deputy team principal Bob Fernley admitted Bianchi was a serious candidate for the vacant second race seat this year, as well as Adrian Sutil and "a few others". Now it has been confirmed that Bianchi will get a day in the car this week, closing out the test for Force India on Friday.

Paul di Resta will do the majority of the running for the team as he drives on Tuesday and for parts of Wednesday and Thursday. Simulator driver James Rossiter will also get time in the VJM06 as he drives late on Wednesday afternoon and for the Thursday morning session.

The decision to give Bianchi track time has been attributed to his experience in last year's car.

"Having spent 2012 as the team's third driver, Jules will be able to provide the team's engineers with further comparison feedback between last year's car and the VJM06," a Force India statement read.

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