Jules Bianchi named Force India reserve

Jules Bianchi has been named the new reserve driver for Formula 1 team Force India.

The French Ferrari academy driver will feature in at least nine Friday practice sessions for Vijay Mallya's team this year and will also join up with them for pre-season testing.

"I'm obviously excited to join Sahara Force India and the chance to get track time during race weekends is an important step for me," the 22-year-old said.

"Being regularly in a current car is the best way to learn quickly and I hope it will put me in a strong position to one day move into a race seat."

Italian team Ferrari confirmed that Bianchi would remain part of their academy programme despite the switch.