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Jules Bianchi eyes non-Formula 1 racing programme alongside Force India role

Jules Bianchi is likely to keep racing alongside his Formula 1 reserve driver commitments with Force India this year

The Frenchman has competed in the F1 supporting GP2 series for the past two seasons, finishing third in 2010 and '11.

He has landed a deal to drive on Friday mornings on at least nine grand prix weekends, but the Ferrari protege is also closing on a chance to keep racing somewhere in 2012 to stay sharp.

"We are working on it," said Bianchi. "We are not sure yet, but I will try to have another programme as well [as F1]."

Bianchi's manager Nicolas Todt told AUTOSPORT that a race deal elsewhere would complement his F1 responsibilities well.

"I think it's important for Jules to keep driving, keep racing," Todt said. "At least nine [grand prix] Fridays is good, but it's not huge mileage. With Ferrari and Force India we are looking at different possibilities.

"The main thing is I am very pleased that Jules has signed as third driver at Force India, because we have seen in the past it is the best team for giving a chance to young drivers.

"They know how to work with young drivers, and it is the best opportunity he could have apart from a race drive in Formula 1."

Bianchi and Todt would not be drawn on where the 22-year-old could end up racing, but a return to GP2 is unlikely given the proximity of its sessions to F1 running on GP weekends.

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