BMW to do USF1’s scout work with test
November 24, 2009 by SJ Skid
Filed under People & Events
At the very least, it sure looks that way.
BMW announced today that, despite its pull-out from F1, it will take part in next week’s testing at Jerez and give American Alexander Rossi and Mexican Esteban Gutierrez [who now lives in Paris] time behind the wheel.
The news is at the BMW site, although it is one of those that doesn’t enable copying.
There had been some doubt that these tests — a result of Rossi’s winning the 2008 Formula BMW World Final in Mexico and Gutierrez’s claiming the Formula BMW Europe title in the same year — would happen, because of the pull-out.
But Dr. Mario Theissen said the team meant to be good to its word: “Depriving these junior drivers of the test we had promised them was not an option for us, even after the withdrawal of BMW from Formula One. BMW remains committed to motorsport and is keen to continue making a contribution to well-structured talent development.”
Good for BMW on this.
But what about USF1, you’re asking.
Well, I know it’s a coincidence, but both drivers are from North America, from which USF1 is expected eventually to draw its driver line-up. This test could give us a preview of that team’s future. You’d have to figure USF1 will be watching these tests closely.
USF1 fans should be paying attention.
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Now, wouldn’t that be something… Sauber makes it back to the grid with 2, count ‘em, 2 N. American drivers and USF1 shows up with someone obscur.
I though you said there was no America drivers worth a damn. Seems Mario has a different opinion. Also, as Sauber/BMW are not in F1 currently, they are outside the testing ban, no?
there are very good drivers from/in the U.S…. but none currently up to F1 standards.
I do believe that Rossi will make it one day…. fairly soon. the kid is VERY talented and seems to have a good head on his shoulders.
I know he’s f1w’s boy and Nasir’s questions have been interesting (as you’d expect) but I certainly would enjoy an in-depth f1b chat with him.
Kudos to Dr. Mario. Really admire the commitment shown by him. Would like to take this opportunity to mention that even when he was busy with BMW Sauber project, he used to find time to attend Formula BMW events across the globe and spent times with fans and drivers in that paddock.
Will Miss Dr. T in F1 in case his outfit doesn’t make it to grid next year :(