Formula One news

Vettel to replace Scott Speed

Sebastian Vettel has joined the Scuderia Toro Rosso team with immediate effect both BMW Sauber F1 and Toro Rosso confirmed today. The 20-year-old German was BMW's test and reserve driver this season, but since he has been part of Red Bull's driver development programme Toro Rosso has taken the option to use Vettel as a replacement for Scott Speed.

The BMW Sauber F1 team today announced that it has released Sebastian Vettel to move to Scuderia Toro Rosso with immediate effect. The 20-year-old Vettel was BMW's test driver this season and replaced Robert Kubica at the US Grand Prix.

At the US Grand Prix 20-year-old Vettel was the youngest driver in the history of Formula 1 to score a championship point. Speaking about BMW's decision to release Vettel for a racing seat at Toro Rosso BMW team boss Mario Theissen said: "As our test and reserve driver Sebastian has carried out sterling work for us. When he stood in for Robert Kubica in the USA Grand Prix he made history by becoming the youngest debutant to earn a world championship point. However, the current testing rules mean that he barely gets a chance to drive for us. Now he has been offered the opportunity to get inside a Toro Rosso cockpit. We have sponsored and coached Sebastian over a number of years. To place obstacles in his career path now would go against our concept of talent promotion."

Theissen continues: "BMW and Red Bull have a longstanding partnership in supporting Sebastian. Toro Rosso is the sister team of Red Bull Racing, and in that context it makes sense for us to release him. In a sponsoring partnership the main thing is to use the best opportunities that present themselves to a young driver at any given time."

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• 05 Sep.
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• 04 Sep.
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  • Raikkonen hopes for dry weekend
  • Photos: Thursday at Spa-Francorchamps
  • Coulthard: The engines make the difference
• 03 Sep.
  • Bridgestone going hard on Spa
  • Former Albers manager teams up with Doornbos
  • Massa: Beating Raikkonen will be difficult at Spa
  • Belgian Grand Prix technical preview
• 02 Sep.
  • Raikkonen: I need a good result at Spa
  • Button: Spa is just great!
  • Brawn hopes for mixed weather conditions
  • Toro Rosso invites Sato and Buemi for test
  • Glock hoping to score more points
  • Renault not giving up on fourth
  • Piquet determined to score at Spa
• 01 Sep.
  • Ecclestone supports Mosley
  • Trulli expects another strong weekend
  • Alonso determined to bounce back
  • Cregan to leave Toyota at end of season
  • Belgian Grand Prix snap shot
  • Mercedes boss expects tight end to season
• 31 Aug.
  • Alonso pleased with test progress
  • Honda still looking for Monza set up
• 30 Aug.
  • Force India eyes Honda after test progress
  • BMW boss wants both cars in the points
  • Aero updates for McLaren at Spa
  • Heidfeld in determined mood for Spa
• 29 Aug.
  • Hamilton finishes test on top
  • Another accolade for Frank Williams
  • Hamilton relishing Spa challenge
  • Photos: Friday in Monza
  • Former champion Phil Hill passes away
  • Alonso happy with first day at wheel
  • Rosberg hopeful of upward trend
• 28 Aug.
  • Heidfeld on top at Monza
  • Photos: Thursday in Monza
  • Raikkonen to play support role to Massa if needed
  • Renault happy with first day, despite position
  • Weather key to title - Whitmarsh

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