Jean Alesi, the last Frenchman to race for Ferrari in Formula 1, has warned not to put too much pressure on his young compatriot Jules Bianchi when he tests for the Italian squad next month.
Formula 3 Euro Series champion Bianchi has been selected by Ferrari for December's young driver test at Jerez, where he will drive for two of the three days.
Alesi was a Tifosi favourite when he drove for Ferrari between 1991 and 1995, and now works with young French talents - including Bianchi, who he reckons richly deserves this chance.
"Until now I was the last French driver who drove a Ferrari Formula 1 car and I'm delighted to pass the baton to Jules' hand, it's a nice story between the Captain of the Equipe de France FFSA and one of its top members," said Alesi.
"It's certainly an honour for Jules, but you have to underline it is also a deserved reward for all his first-class performances and work."
But he pointed out that this year's Ferrari F60 was a tough car for Bianchi to make his F1 debut in.
"We must not underestimate this test but we must also know how to put it into perspective: we know the difficulties that the F60 had to cope with and especially through the ones two very experienced drivers such as Luca Badoer and Giancarlo Fisichella had this year," Alesi said.
"Other drivers will run at the same time as Jules, some of them with a world champion car and others who have already had an F1 experience."
Bianchi is tipped as a future star, having impressed in his junior career so far, and because he is managed by Nicolas Todt, son of Ferrari boss turned FIA president Jean.
The 20-year-old admitted that Ferrari's invitation had yet to sink in.
"I can't find the right words - I think I will believe it when I sit in the cockpit of the Ferrari," said Bianchi.
"I will keep cool and I know it is just another step and that the road to success is very long if we want to fulfil the goals we have set ourselves together with my manager.
"I will use this session as a learning phase, no pressure, but totally focused and determined."