Jani targets F1 future

Neel Jani says he is focused on securing a future in F1, although the Swiss racer admits that it is difficult to put a deal together as 'money talks'.

Jani has enjoyed success in the likes of GP2, Champ Car and A1GP but has been unable to make the step into F1 full-time, despite acting as test and reserve driver for Toro Rosso back in 2006.

Recent seasons have seen Jani turn his attention towards sportscars having signed deals with the Rebellion Racing team in the Le Mans Series and Matech Competition in the FIA GT1 World Championship.

However, speaking to DNA India on a visit to the homeland of his father, Jani revealed he still dreamed of securing a place on the F1 grid at some point in the future and was confident he could do a good job at the highest level of the sport.

“F1 ambitions are always there," he said. “I know there are many drivers in F1 now whom I have beaten already in A1 GP, GP2 or Formula Renault. It's just a question of when, how and what team. It's very difficult because there are not many slots left. At the moment, unfortunately, money talks a bit too much. It makes things difficult for people without big sponsors.

“When I did the simulator test for Force India and if you see lap times, it went pretty well. I was quickest on a high-fuel simulation and second quickest on a low-fuel simulation. I thought it was pretty reasonable but they chose otherwise. Comparing performances, I think I measure up pretty well. We are in India to talk to people about my F1 career." Crash.net