SPEED’S 2006 TEST DEAL PUTS AMERICAN BACK INTO F1 DRIVER’S SEAT
Scott Speed will become the first full-time American driver in Formula One since 1993 after signing with Red Bull Racing as the team’s test and reserve driver for the 2006 season.
The contract also includes performance-based options for future seasons for Speed, including a possible role as race driver. The last American driver in Formula One was Michael Andretti, who was a race driver for McLaren during part of the 1993 season.
“It is exciting for me to have a shot as a permanent test driver,” Speed said. “Red Bull has helped me out in the past years and given me a real shot at F1. So this is one step closer to my goals.”
In his new role, Speed will participate in the Friday practice sessions in all Grand Prix weekends in 2006 where he will be the Red Bull’s “third” driver alongside David Coulthard, who has been confirmed as lead driver, and either Christian Klien or Vitantonio Liuzzi. The team has yet to decide whether Klien or Liuzzi will be its second driver in 2006.
“Options exist for Scott to progress beyond being the test driver, and we will be monitoring his progress very closely,” Red Bull Racing Sporting Director Christian Horner said of Speed’s contract. “It is a prime opportunity for him.”
Speed, 22, worked as the Red Bull’s third driver at the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal and United States Grand Prix at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in June of this year.
“It was a natural decision to extend Scott’s contract for 2006,” Horner said. “We’ve been impressed with what he’s achieved in GP2 this year, and the pace he has shown in F1 tests and when driving the team’s third car in Canada and Indianapolis is a strong indication of his potential.
“Scott’s role will be very important as the team develops next year. He’s one of the strongest drivers to come out of the USA for a long time, and we’re pleased to be able to give him the opportunity to demonstrate his potential within F1.”
Speed is one of the leading stars in the Red Bull Driver Search program that aids promising young American drivers on the climb to F1. In 2004, he won both the European and German Formula Renault Championships. This year he is third in the point standings of the new GP2 series, a final stepping-stone to F1.
“Scott’s progression from karting championships to F1 demonstrates the benefit of the Red Bull American Formula One drivers search,” Horner said. “Offering support and advice, the program is geared toward helping talented U.S. drivers like Scott into F1 and opening up opportunities that might otherwise not have been available.”
Speed said Red Bull Racing is the perfect place for him to learn more about F1. Besides participating in the Friday practice sessions at Grands Prix, Speed’s program will include a heavy testing schedule at various tracks around Europe. He will play an integral role in helping the team develop and improve its 2006 F1 car.
“Obviously, I’m extremely pleased that Red Bull Racing has decided to extend my contract,” Speed said. “This season has been very good for me and to take this step forward with Red Bull Racing for next year, and hopefully beyond, is a great opportunity. My aim has always been to race in F1; it’s my dream, and this makes it much more of a reality. I’ve still got a heck of a lot to learn, but with the team around me and with David Coulthard as one of my teammates, I’m in the best place to be able to do that.”
Red Bull made the announcement at the Monza circuit before the Italian Grand Prix. Speed’s involvement in F1 will help raise the profile of the series in the U.S.
“I will do what I can to make F1 bigger in America,” Speed said. “I’m an American and have been an F1 fan all my life, so if my involvement in F1 helps bring the sport more attention in America, that’s great.”
