Ferrari test driver Jules Bianchi has re-signed for the ART team in GP2 as he bids to improve on a challenging 2010 campaign.
The Frenchman was a frontrunner this year, finishing third overall in the standings despite being temporarily forced out of action mid-season when he fractured a vertebrae in a crash at the Hungaroring. Eager to deliver on the potential he showed in his rookie season, Bianchi will stick with the ART team for a second crack at the GP2 crown.
"I am proud Lotus ART put their confidence in me for another year because I know with them I have the best environment to reap what we have sown over the last few years and have the opportunity to fight for the title," he said. "Added to that, thanks to the Ferrari Driver Academy, compared to a year ago, I feel deeply changed. It was an important experience, which made me grow a lot and made me get to know the company and the people who work on this project."
Team boss Frederic Vasseur was confident that Bianchi would be able to make good progress next year.
"Despite a broken vertebrae that could have had serious consequences both on a sporting and psychological level, Jules finished his first season in the GP2 Series brilliantly with the status of best rookie of the year," he said. "Lotus ART knows Jules well both as a driver and a person and has total confidence in him. We hope the combination of his qualities and the hard work of the team and its partners will give us all the leverage we need to aim for top places."