JULY 31, 2007

Vettel joins Toro Rosso

Sebastian Vettel has joined Scuderia Toro Rosso with immediate effect. He replaces Scott Speed, following the American's clash with team boss Franz Tost at the Grand Prix of Europe.

Sebastian Vettel has joined Scuderia Toro Rosso with immediate effect. The BMW Sauber F1 Team has agreed to release the 20-year-old from Heppenheim. He replaces Scott Speed, following the American's clash with team boss Franz Tost at the Grand Prix of Europe.

"As our test and reserve driver Sebastian has carried out sterling work for us," BMW Motorsport boss Mario Theissen said. "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.

"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."

Taking over the role of reserve driver for the BMW Sauber F1 Team will be Timo Glock, who is currently BMW's second test driver. The 25-year-old from Brensbach-Wersau is championship leader in the GP2 Series."