Formula One news

F2 driver Bortolotti linked with Ferrari

Formula Two race winner Mirko Bortolotti continues to be linked with the second race seat at the Ferrari team in the absence of the injured Felipe Massa. Questions continue to surround the pilot of the No. 3 car after Luca's Badoer return to Formula One in Valencia.

The role is currently occupied by long-term Ferrari test driver Badoer, who drove for the team last time out in Valencia and will keep his position for the next round at Spa-Francorchamps. Speculation is rife, however, that Badoer may be replaced after Spa and Bortolotti is being touted as a possible candidate for the drive.

The 19-year-old Italian has previous form with Ferrari, having reportedly impressed Ferrari chairman Luca di Montezemolo in a test for the Scuderia - which was awarded to the top three finishers of the Italian F3 Championship - at the end of 2008. Bortolotti set an unofficial lap record of 59.111 seconds around Fiorano, bettering both his F3 rivals by more than a second on the day and eclipsing previous efforts during the season by Kimi Räikkönen, Luca Badoer and fellow tester Marc Gené.

Speaking after the test, Ferrari sporting director Luca Baldisseri remarked: "These boys have astonished and surprised me. The extraordinary thing is that they didn't make even one mistake - they were immediately very quick and showed they have enormous potential."

Bortolotti's superb season in Italian F3 led to him being snapped up by the Red Bull Junior Team at the beginning of 2009. He was placed in Formula Two for the year and secured his maiden victory in the third race of the season in Brno, Czech Republic, back in June. He has scored two further podiums, in Valencia and at Donington Park, and currently lies sixth in the overall standings.

For now though, the Italian insists his focus is on Formula Two and refuses to be drawn into the speculation surrounding his future: "All I can say is that I'm racing in F2 and I'm not thinking about anything other than the championship. I want to be higher than sixth so I have to work hard and apply myself one-hundred percent. There is still enough time to improve so, if I can get the best possible results, I can hopefully move up the order again.

"There has been quite a lot of speculation in Italy surrounding the Ferrari seat. To be honest, I think Luca just needs a bit more time to get a feeling for the car; everything has changed since he last raced but I'm sure he will be quicker at Spa as the pace is there in the car. As for me, I'm just focusing on Formula Two. It's nice to be linked with the team but my mentality is just to do a good job in Formula Two for the remaining three rounds - after that, I'll start thinking about my future."

more news

• 25 Nov.
  • 'Fantastic opportunity' - Di Resta on Force India test
  • Recap: N.Technology court bid fails
  • BMW testers excited about Jerez
  • Brawn disappointed with Button drives, ponders Lauda
  • Piquet to drive in Massa kart race
  • Brawn aero chief wins award
  • Gillett disappointed with government position
  • Mercedes hopes to confirm line-up by Christmas
• 24 Nov.
  • Briatore verdict expected in January
  • Donington still hopeful over F1 race
  • Montreal race confirmation imminent
  • Massa names drivers for karting event
  • Campos car passes FIA safety tests
  • Strong test could seal drive, says Mallya
  • Force India to test di Resta and Hildebrand
  • Courts to hear Briatore case
  • Silverstone GP deal forthcoming
• 23 Nov.
  • GPUpdate TV: Sam Michael - building on 2009
  • Theissen waiting on entry decision
  • Mercedes delighted with Rosberg confirmation
  • Confirmed: Rosberg to Mercedes for 2010
  • Manor hoping to run in late January
  • Mercedes poised to announce first driver
  • Kobayashi: I expected to be re-signed
  • Nakajima future in Toyota's hands
  • Klien still hoping for 2010 seat
  • McLaren line-up will work, says Ecclestone
  • López: USF1 deal coming next week
• 22 Nov.
  • Photos: 2009 Toyota Motor Sports Festival
  • Vettel surprised by Button team switch
• 21 Nov.
  • Mercedes: No Schumacher drive with us
  • López close to USF1 deal
  • Options open for Bourdais
• 20 Nov.
  • FIA was using new teams, says Lola
  • Rossi and Newey to contest endurance race
  • Wolff: Worth of privateers on the up
  • Equity sale for 'private motives' - Williams
  • USF1 considering 12 drivers
  • Photos: SKUSA karting event, Las Vegas
  • Buemi and Schumacher to kart in Las Vegas

Homepage