Sahara Force India's reserve driver Jules Bianchi got behind the wheels of the teams' new car, the VJM05, and for French youngster said it was a good learning curve ahead of the season. Force India completed the second day of work in Jerez as the team continued to collect data and evaluated test items. As well as systems checks and further set-up evaluation, the team also carried out some aero work.
Jules completed 46 laps while his senior teammate Paul di Resta 69. Jules (1:20.221) was little quicker than Resta (1:20.272) with in recording the fastest lap of the day. "There was a lot to get used to, especially the steering wheel and remembering where all the switches are, but it didn't take too long before I felt happy in the car. It may only have been half a day, but the team asked me to do quite a lot of things and we managed to complete almost 50 laps before lunch.
"For me this year is all about learning and helping the team as much as I can, so today was important for that and getting to know the team. It's great that I am back in the car tomorrow and I will try and get closer to the limit, because it's important preparation for my Friday practice running this year," Bianchi said. After two consecutive days in testing, Scotsman Paul Di Resta feels that the team has developed a very strong car for the season.
"It was one of the more difficult days because the wind seemed to get very strong from midday onwards, which made driving the car very tricky. However, we managed to get a clear direction on a couple of set-up changes so that's given us an indication of the areas we should explore over the coming weeks. After 101 laps yesterday and 115 today, we've clearly built a good, strong car, but now it's about getting into the detail, going over the data and getting ready for Barcelona," he said.