Scott Speed has been axed by the Toro Rosso team and will be replaced by Sebastian Vettel for the remaining seven races of the season.
American loses Toro Rosso drive
Scott Speed has been axed by the Toro Rosso team and will be replaced by Sebastian Vettel for the remaining seven races of the season.
Following his physical altercation with team boss Franz Tost in the immediate aftermath of his European GP retirement, it appeared to be only a matter of time before Speed was given the chop.
That, though, looked to be on hold as the American then tested with his team at Mugello last week.
However, the announcement finally came on Tuesday morning, with Toro Rosso also revealing that BMW test driver Vettel would replace the American.
"Scuderia Toro Rosso announces that as from the Hungarian Grand Prix, Sebastian Vettel will replace Scott Speed as the driver of car number 19," the team said in a statement.
Sterling
"Vettel will drive for the team in all the remaining rounds of the 2007 FIA Formula 1 World Championship."
BMW team boss Mario Theissen wished his former test driver well for his future with Toro Rosso. "As our test and reserve driver Sebastian has carried out sterling work for us," he 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."
Timo Glock, BMW's second tester, will take over Vettel's role at the German team.
