However, the Ferrari-linked Frenchman Jules Bianchi appears arguably the hotter favourite to be Paul di Resta's teammate this year, particularly after going second quickest in the brand new VJM06 car as the Jerez test wrapped up on Friday. Bianchi told Autosport on Friday: "Even if the plan was to stay a third driver for two years, now the plan has changed and I'm ready." A source, however, told the Deccan Chronicle newspaper that 2012 HRT driver Karthikeyan is now also a contender, thanks to a boost to his sponsorship coffers. "As soon as Tata increased the budget for 2013, talks with Force India began," the source said. "Unlike the past, the negotiation has been a lot more positive. If talks fail, he will probably go to America for (the) Indycar series".
PaddockTalk Perspective
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