Bianchi aims to salvage top five

The Formula 3 Euro Series champion was out of contention for victory after just a handful of corners when he ran over the left rear wheel of Edoardo Mortara's Signature car under braking for San Francisco on the opening lap, which sent him into the barriers.

He eventually returned to the pits for repairs and was able to recover to finish 21st, but his chances of adding a Macau victory to his Euro Series title are effectively over.

"It's disappointing, but for tomorrow I think a top five finish is realistic," Bianchi told AUTOSPORT. "Anything can happen here, but obviously it will be very difficult.

"At least I will not be starting right at the back like last year, so it was good that we got the car back out. But I think we need to find some more speed on the straights for tomorrow."

The ART driver added that he felt Mortara was to blame for their clash, as he reckons the GP2 racer moved across on him under braking for the right-hander.

"I had a good start and I was up to P4 by Lisboa," said Bianchi. "Then I wanted to get to the inside but I couldn't because Mortara and [Valtteri] Bottas were there.

"So I stayed on the outside, but Mortara moved over on me and there was nothing I could do."