F1: Grand Prix News Briefs (Update 5)

Formula 1

F1: Grand Prix News Briefs (Update 5)

Ferrari on Wednesday admitted it is trying to find a place in Formula One for Jules Bianchi...

SPEED Staff / GMM | Posted January 10, 2013 GMM Newswire

Jules Bianchi was a Force India reserve backed by Ferrari last season. (Photo: LAT Photographic)

Ferrari Wants F1 Role For Bianchi: Ferrari on Wednesday admitted it is trying to find a place in Formula One for Jules Bianchi. We reported this week that 23-year-old Frenchman Bianchi, Force India's reserve in 2012, is in the running to be Paul di Resta's race teammate this year. "It has been quite a hard winter this time because I haven't known what I am doing (next)," he said. "We have a chance, and it's a good one." Bianchi is managed by Felipe Massa's manager Nicolas Todt, and Ferrari announced on Wednesday that the rookie will continue to feature on the team's development roster in 2013. "We are currently trying to find him a role in Formula One and when we have some news, we will let you know," said Ferrari boss Stefano Domenicali at the team's annual winter media event at Madonna di Campiglio ski resort. Ferrari also said on Wednesday that 2012 HRT racer and Spanish veteran Pedro de la Rosa has been signed in a development role. "We decided to add de la Rosa to our group of drivers mainly to strengthen one area, namely work in the simulator, which with the current regulations regarding testing, is becoming ever more important," said Domenicali.

Ricciardo To Debut 2013 Toro Rosso At Jerez: Daniel Ricciardo has revealed he will be giving Toro Rosso's new car its track debut on the first day of winter testing next month. While sister team and reigning champion Red Bull is reportedly slightly behind schedule with its 2013 single seater, Australian Ricciardo said the new Toro Rosso is "running to plan." The Faenza-based team has not named a launch date for the STR8, but 23-year-old Ricciardo said in a Skype interview from his native Australia that the car will be running as soon as the preseason period kicks off in early February at Jerez. "I'll be driving the first day, so the fifth of February, so not long at all — three weeks, I think. Can't wait," said Ricciardo, who over the New Year holiday period has grown a beard. AAP news agency said Perth-born Australian is due to return to Italy this week for a seat fitting. "It (the beard) will come off," he said. "I've been living the beach lifestyle and haven't been bothered to pick up a razor in a while. I'll get rid of it. I've got to look young again."

Sauber Denies Mercedes Engine Deal For 2014: Sauber has denied reports it has penned an agreement with Mercedes to replace its engine deal with Ferrari for the 2014 season and beyond. French sources have claimed Force India, currently supplied by Mercedes, will switch suppliers with Ferrari-powered Sauber for the radical new turbo V6 rules. It would be big news for the Swiss team, as — the works BMW years aside — Sauber has been powered by Ferrari throughout most of its almost two-decade involvement in F1. But a Sauber spokesman insisted: "We do not have an engine partner for 2014, not least because several aspects with regards to the costs are still unclear. It is a fact that we have worked with Ferrari for more than 10 years and so the Scuderia is naturally our first point of contact," the spokesman is quoted by Switzerland's Speed Week. It should be noted that, when Sauber entered F1 in 1993, it was with a de-facto Mercedes V10 engine supplied by Ilmor, which is now called Mercedes High Performance Powertrains. And, in works partnership with Mercedes, Sauber won Le Mans in 1989 and the world sports car championship in 1990.

Kovalainen Plays Down Gascoyne's Criticism: Heikki Kovalainen has rejected Caterham technical boss Mike Gascoyne's criticism. Gascoyne, former F1 stalwart and now the technical boss of the entire Caterham Group, said this week that Finn Kovalainen harmed his chances of staying in F1 due to his poor management team and a lack of respect as he tried to move up the grid in 2013. Kovalainen, 31, played down the comments. "I have always had a good relationship with him (Gascoyne)," he said, "and my relationship with him will continue even now. Mike is a seasoned professional and he and I have worked together for a long time," Kovalainen told the Finnish broadcaster MTV3. "The fact is that my negotiations are not with him. I talk to Tony Fernandes and Cyril Abiteboul. At the moment, the negotiations are continuing, and I am not thinking about anything other than Formula One. First, let's finish playing the game until the end. Then, when we know the outcome, think about what to do next," added Kovalainen, who moved to Caterham (then Lotus) in 2010 after being dropped by McLaren. Gascoyne this week confirmed Caterham is considering replacing Kovalainen with a sponsored driver.

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