Ferrari test no help for Bortolotti

Mirko Bortolotti

Italian F3 champion Mirko Bortolotti might have shown impressive performance on his F1 testing debut with Ferrari before Christmas, but he admits that his run at Fiorano has so far failed to open doors for 2009.

The Ferrari link will continue when Bortolotti tests the A1GP development car at the new Portimao track later this month, but his racing program beyond that remains clouded by uncertainty as he chases the finances to move up the ladder.

“I have various proposals to think about, and I could run in either the F3 Euroseries or GP2," he revealed to Italy's La Stampa, "Although one of my strengths is adapting quickly to new cars and situations, Lucidi's team manager, Gabriel, has advised me to do another year in F3, but my family does not have great economic means, so I have to hope that I can find a sponsor."

Admitting that his relationship with Ferrari does not extend beyond the A1GP run, Bortolotti concedes that time is running out for him to secure something meaningful for 2009.

"I will have to decide as soon possible," he said of his options, "There is nothing arranged with Ferrari for the time being, only a good relationship – but I am happy to have been given the chance they gave me. Now I must think about my future. I must be sure of having something competitive, to ensure that the dream does not end. For seven years, I played the drums, and I still have a sense of rhythm, but I want to be a racing driver!" Crash.net