MARCH 12, 2003

Red Bull expands driver scheme in 2003

The Red Bull Driver Search, which aims to get American drivers into Formula 1 in the years ahead, will be bigger and better in 2003. The launch of the new programme, held as Sardi's Restaurant on 44th Street in New York, was attended by Tony George amongst others and Danny Sullivan gave details of his plan to find more drivers to add to the four who were selected in 2002. Sullivan will once again use a number of "scouts" to spot developing talent in the United States in the 16-19 year age bracket. Twelve will be selected. He will also organise a series of events across the country to find the 12 best young kart racers in America. The 24 youngsters will then go through a selection process at Sebring in Florida in September and from this 10 racers willl be chosen as finalists. They will go on to a further selection event at Paul Ricard in October and judges will pick between two and four of them to receive full backing for racing programs in Europe in 2004. The number chosen will depend on the success or failure of the four candidates chosen in 2002.