Maranello, 9 February – Jules Bianchi looks likely to have a very busy year ahead of him. The Ferrari Driver Academy youngster, who has been fulfilling his role as Sahara Force India test driver at Jerez over the past few days, will also race in the Formula Renault 3.5 Series, at the wheel of a car run by Tech 1 Racing. There are nine rounds in the championship, starting and finishing in Spain (the first on 5/6 May at Alcaniz, and the last in Barcelona on 20/21 October.

“I am very happy to be able to drive for Tech 1 Racing in this championship,” commented Jules. “This is a very important season for my carerr and, as a young driver, it is vital to have the opportunity to race in a competitive series such as this. I will do all I can to help the team reach its goals this season. I want to thank Scuderia Ferrari and the Sahara Force India F1 team for having given permission to grasp this opportunity.”