Formula One driver Jules Bianchi would have joined the Ferrari Formula One Team had he not met the accident that would eventually cause his early demise.  Former Ferrari boss Luca di Montezemolo said that Ferrari already had plans to put Bianchi in the prancing horse once Kimi Raikkonen exits the team.

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Bianchi died in the early hours of the morning last Saturday, nine months after his accident. He crashed into a recovery vehicle at the side of the track in Suzuka during the Japanese Grand Prix on October 5, 2014. Former Ferrari boss Luca di Montezemolo told Sky Sports that Bianchi had a great future waiting for him in Ferrari had the accident not happened.

Bianchi joined the Ferrari driver academy in 2009 and has enjoyed the legendary team's backing as he raced in other disciplines and for other teams. At the time of his accident, he had been driving for Formula One minnows Marussia.

"Jules Bianchi was one of us, was a member of the Ferrari family and was the driver we had picked for the future, once the collaboration with Raikkonen was over," said Montezemolo. Kimi Raikkonen is currently driving for the Ferrari team but his contract expires at the end of the year.

"A bitter fate has taken him away, leaving us in a huge void," continued Montezemolo. Bianchi's dream was at his fingertips when he was unexpectedly taken away too soon.

There is an option to extend Raikkonen's contract for another year but the team has reportedly signed Williams driver Valtteri Bottas for the next season.  The other Ferrari seat is being occupied by four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel. If Raikkonen's departure is confirmed then the seat that would be occupied by Bottas could be the one that Montezemolo says should have been Bianchi's.

The Frenchman's dream to drive for the legendary Scuderia died with him on Saturday but he remains in the hearts of his friends and colleagues both from the Ferrari team and elsewhere in the racing paddock.

Bianchi's remains were laid to rest on Tuesday in France.. The funeral took place at his hometown of Nice after an emotional ceremony held at the Sainte Reparate Cathedral. 

TagsJules Bianchi, death, Luca di Montezemolo, ferrari, Formula One, funeral, Kimi Raikkonen, Valtteri Bottas, Sebastian Vettel