Ex-F1 driver and Grand Prix-winner Olivier Panis told Autohebdo he had full confidence in the young Charles Pic.
"I've known Charles since he was a kid," tells Panis. "When I first met him, I discovered a driver both smart and fast."
Unlike Romain Grosjean, Pic has no major series title to offer. Nevertheless, he will join his fellow Frenchman of the F1 grid next year. He was chosen to replace Belgium's Jérôme d'Ambrosio at Virgin.
Even though Pic's career-best result in GP2 main series was a fourth in last season's standings, Panis, who acknowledges Pic's difficult task, is adamant the rookie can do well in F1.
"Charles can be competitve," says Panis. "But in Formula 1, you need time to show what you can do. He will only have eighth test sessions when he lands in Melbourne for his first Grand Prix. I have faith in him."
"I've known Charles since he was a kid," tells Panis. "When I first met him, I discovered a driver both smart and fast."
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| Charles Pic got a hair cut before joining Virgin (Photo: Charles-pic.com) |
Unlike Romain Grosjean, Pic has no major series title to offer. Nevertheless, he will join his fellow Frenchman of the F1 grid next year. He was chosen to replace Belgium's Jérôme d'Ambrosio at Virgin.
Even though Pic's career-best result in GP2 main series was a fourth in last season's standings, Panis, who acknowledges Pic's difficult task, is adamant the rookie can do well in F1.
"Charles can be competitve," says Panis. "But in Formula 1, you need time to show what you can do. He will only have eighth test sessions when he lands in Melbourne for his first Grand Prix. I have faith in him."