Jules Bianchi 'ready' for F1 chance after encouraging Magny-Cours test

Jules Bianchi now feels he is ready for the step up to a Formula 1 race seat next year following his encouraging week of testing at Magny-Cours this week

The Frenchman has driven for both Ferrari and Force India at a test that was a good opportunity for him to prove himself for 2013.

Having been quickest on the opening two days, Bianchi says he is buoyed by both the speed he has shown, and how much he has developed his understanding of this year's cars.

When asked if he felt after his running that was prepared for the step up to a race seat next year, Bianchi said: "Yes I do, I do feel ready now. Even more after these three days.

"I grew up a lot [this week] and learned a lot yesterday with Force India. It has been really nice this test."

Bianchi is understood to be on the list of contenders for a race seat at Force India next year if either Nico Hulkenberg or Paul di Resta move elsewhere.

Although the final day of the test on Thursday has been hit by bad weather, Bianchi says even that has been a positive - because it has allowed him to understand wet rubber.

"These have been positive days," he explained. "Even today I ran on the inters, which were new to me - and it was just really positive for myself to keep improving with every lap. I feel even more ready for F1 now."

Sabrina Beaudoin is a French motorsport journalist who covers Formula 1 online. You can follow her on Twitter at @Sabriiico