Vettel to replace 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."