Ferrari are apparently looking to Formula Two race winner Mirko Bortolotti to take over Felipe Massa's seat after the next race at Spa-Franchorchamps.
Although Luca Badoer will be racing for the team at the next race, it is widely speculated that he will be dropped after a lacklustre Ferrari debut at Valencia
The 19-year-old Italian has previously tested for Ferrari and reportedly impressed Ferrari Chairman Luca di Montezemolo setting an unofficial lap record of 59.111s around the Fiorano test track, eclipsing previous times of Kimi Raikkonen, Luca Badoer and Marc Gene.
Bortolotti isn't being drawn into the speculation at the moment though. “All I can say is that I'm racing in F2 and I'm not thinking about anything other than the championship. I want to be higher than sixth, so I have to work hard and apply myself 100%. There is still enough time to improve, so if I can get the best possible results hopefully I can move up the order again.”
“There has been quite a lot of speculation in Italy surrounding the Ferrari seat. To be honest I think Luca (Badoer) just needs a bit more time to get a feeling for the car. Everything has changed since he last raced, but I'm sure he will be quicker at Spa as the pace is there in the car. As for me, I'm just focusing on Formula Two. It's nice to be linked with the team, but my mentality is just to do a good job in Formula Two for the remaining three rounds – after that, I'll start thinking about my future.”
Bortolotti joined the Red Bull Junior Team at the beginning of 2009 after a superb season in Italian F3 and has gone on to secure his maiden victory and 2 further podiums.
The next round of the FIA Formula Two Championship will take place in Oschersleben, Germany, on 4-6 September.
