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Formula One
F1: Vettel Replaces Speed at Toro Rosso
As reported here last week, American is dropped for the rest of the season; BMW confirms release of young German for STR race seat.
Adam Cooper  | http://www.speedtv.com  |  Posted July 30, 2007   Hinwil, Switzerland
Scott Speed (LAT photo)

BMW Sauber third driver Sebastian Vettel will replace Scott Speed for this weekend's Hungarian GP, as predicted by SpeedTV.com's Robin Miller last week. Although STR had initially insisted that Speed would continue in the team, the fallout from the Californian's altercation with team principal Franz Tost following the European Grand Prix clearly damaged the relationship beyond repair.

BMW pre-empted any news from Italy by confirming that Vettel had been released to join the team before STR actually admitted to the deal. The young German has been supported by both BMW and Red Bull, and his career is subject to complex contractual arrangements.

Fourth driver Timo Glock has been promoted to the role of reserve driver, and if needed he will have to give up his GP2 ride. He is currently leading the championship.

Team boss Mario Theissen explained: "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.
BMW confirmed it has released Vettel for a Toro Rosso race seat, effective immediately. (LAT Photo)

"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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