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The Ferrari team has set up a new initiative aimed at finding and supporting young drivers on their way to Formula 1.

The programme, known as the Ferrari Driver Academy, will see a group of drivers selected and then supported throughout their careers, not only in racing, but also in their personal and professional development.

Ferrari factory-based engineer and former strategist Luca Baldisserri will be the man in charge of running the project, in which the Italian motorsport body, ACI-CSAI, will be an important contributor.

Formula 3 Euro Series champion Jules Bianchi has been the first driver selected for the programme, the Frenchman having already tested for the team at Jerez earlier this month.

"This programme has a very clear goal: to help youngsters develop to the point where, one day, they could fly the Ferrari flag in the Formula 1 World Championship," said Ferrari team boss Stefano Domenicali.

"We plan to take an original approach, covering every angle with them, so that they are as well prepared as possible to tackle every aspect of modern day motorsport."