Jules Bianchi’s stunning race into the points with tiny Marussia at the Monaco Grand Prix could be the start of something big for the French Formula One driver, according to Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso.
The Spaniard, who started his own F1 career with now-defunct minnows Minardi, is a friend and travelling companion of Bianchi who is also under contract to Ferrari as part of their young driver academy.
“We spend a lot of time together in Maranello, we play football, we go cycling, we travel together on the same plane for some races,” he said after Bianchi finished eighth on the track and ninth after a penalty was taken into account.
The points, in a showcase race watched by many millions around the world, were cash-starved Marussia’s first in more than four years of trying and propelled the Ferrari-powered team to ninth in the constructors’ standings, ahead of Ferrari-powered Sauber.
Marussia team principal John Booth agreed that Bianchi was destined for a bigger stage.
“I think he’s ready to go now. If they (Ferrari) need him,” he said.
