Interview with Jules Bianchi: The junior talent of the backbenchers

E s is a thankless job. Anyone who sits in a Caterham or Marussia drives their own race and is hardly noticed in the Formula 1 world. The chance of scoring is almost zero. Only die-hard fans can relate to the names Giedo van der Garde, Charles Pic, Max Chilton or Jules Bianchi. You are, so to speak, the kindergarten of Formula 1.

Bianchi is making preparations to qualify for higher tasks soon. 15th place in Australia and China and 13th place in Malaysia made some in the paddock sit up and take notice. Is there a new talent growing up in the shadow of the big teams? In Malaysia, Nicolas Todt's protégé was just two tenths off Valtteri Bottas in the Williams in qualifying. In Australia it was only around four-tenths that separated him from Esteban Gutierrez in the Sauber. Reason enough to talk to the 23 year old.

Bianchi: It was also a bit confusing for me. I had received the cancellation from Force India and two days later I suddenly announce the contract with Marussia. I am very grateful to the team for this opportunity. I found out about it on Friday and we announced the contract on Friday evening. It all happened very quickly.

Bianchi: I feel very well. The first races went well, I was able to improve from Australia to Malaysia. We had a good qualifying in China. It was definitely a good start to the season.

Bianchi: You can't do it as a simply denote. I try to do my best, but I also had to fight hard in the first few races. I have to improve myself too. We still have some work to do. It's never easy I see the greatest challenge in trusting the car. I didn't test a lot before the season. That will come step by step.

Bianchi: Yes, they have now more interested in me. And also on the team. Because the first races were a good sign. Of course I know from the Ferrari Academysome people from Ferrari. They observe what we are doing here and have told me that they think it's good.

Bianchi: It's easier if you aren't forced to score points straight away. But the pressure is always there in Formula 1. The result is very important for this team too. You always have to accelerate and therefore have the same pressure.

Bianchi: I didn't drive the car last year. But the team says the car has improved a lot. The development in the wind tunnel was very helpful and a great step forward. I don't know what's going on at Caterham. But we are definitely in better shape than last year. We have improved a bit in all areas. The balance is good, we just need more downforce.

Bianchi: Some teams have a big one Update announced for Barcelona. With us it's more like a lot of smaller things. We don't want to wait until Barcelona. As soon as we have something new, it comes to the car.

Bianchi: No, man must remain realistic. I've done a couple of good races. But I still have to prove myself and develop myself further. I keep both feet on the ground and just do my job. But of course a lot of people are happy in France because there are now four French drivers. Now we just need one race there.

Bianchi: I'm just trying my first season to approach with as little pressure as possible and not aim too high. After the season we will see what happens in the next few years.