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F1: Jules Bianchi is fastest again on final day of young driver test

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Khatir Soltani
Frenchman Jules Bianchi was back behind the wheel of the Ferrari F2012 Thursday and again set the fastest time in Day 3 of the young drivers test at the circuit of Magny-Cours, France.

Light rain made conditions tricky at the start of the day, with conditions improving as the sun came out, gradually drying the track.

Rodolfo Gonzalez, Sahara Force India
Rodolfo Gonzalez, Sahara Force India (Photo: Sahara Force India)

Bianchi, who had already driven the Ferrari on Tuesday completed 138 laps, making a total of 992.47 over his two days in the F2012, while today his best time was 1m16.985.

The Scuderia sent Bianchi out for a few laps in the wet in the morning and then focused on aerodynamic measurement and set-up evaluation on a dry track.

Rodolfo Gonzalez planted the Mercedes-powered Sahara Force India VJM05 in second place.

The team evaluated different aero settings, tested the three types of tires and also carried out pit stop simulations and launches.

Brendon Hartley, Mercedes AMG
Brendon Hartley, Mercedes AMG (Photo: WRI2)

Former Red Bull test driver Brendon Hartley was behind the wheel of the Mercedes AMG W03. He set the third fastest time. The team took an early lunch and were then able to use the hard compound tire for set-up work over longer runs

Pos. Driver Team Time* Laps
1 Jules Bianchi Ferrari 1:16.985 138
2 Rodolfo Gonzalez Force India 1:18.018 79
3 Brendon Hartley Mercedes AMG1:18.671 87
*Unofficial timing



Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
Automotive expert
  • Over 6 years experience as a car reviewer
  • Over 50 test drives in the last year
  • Involved in discussions with virtually every auto manufacturer in Canada