Bianchi to drive for Force India at Jerez

Following the launch of the VJM06 last week, attention now moves to the first pre-season test in Jerez, Spain. The first week of running will be a chance to collect data, complete systems checks and work on baseline set-up.

Paul Di Resta will be the man in the cockpit for most of the test and will complete the first couple of days. He will hand the VJM06 over to James Rossiter on Wednesday afternoon to give the British driver a chance to benchmark the VJM06 against the team’s simulator model and progress the simulator development programme. James will also drive on Thursday morning with Paul back in the car on Thursday afternoon.

The final day of running on Friday will see Jules Bianchi behind the wheel of the VJM06. 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.

Driving schedule

Day 1 = Paul
Day 2 = Paul / James late in the afternoon
Day 3 = James in the morning / Paul in the afternoon
Day 4 = Jules