Sebastian Vettel

PERSONAL INFO
Nationality:	Germany
Date of Birth:	03/07/1987
Place of Birth:	Heppenheim, Germany
Marital status:	Single
Weight:	174cm
Height:	64kg
Favourite Music:	Everything
Hobbies:	Snowboarding, swimming, fitness
Website:	http://www.sebastianvettel.de/
FORMULA 1 STATS
Grand Prix starts:	49
Poles:	8
Wins:	6
Points:	203
Fastest laps:	4
Championships:	0
First Race:	United States 2007

Sebastian Vettel and Ralf Schumacher (2003)

Sebastian Vettel replaced Robert Kubica after the BMW-Sauber driver's high speed crash in Canada 2007. Thus Sebastian Vettel stepped in after being the third driver of the team in the US Grand Prix at Indianapolis. He finished 8th in his debut race, becoming the youngest point scoring F1 driver ever. Another dubious record stands on this young man's list: after 9 seconds in his F1 career he got a speeding penaltym the quickest ever.

After being released by BMW, the German got to race for Scuderia Toro Rosso, making a big impression with his driving around the paddock.

Sebastian Vettel to step in for Robert Kubica in Indianapolis.
Indianapolis (Indiana, USA), 14th June 2007. After Robert Kubica did not get the green light from the FIA Medical Delegate and the race's Director of Medical Services to compete in the 2007 U.S. Grand Prix, the team has nominated Sebastian Vettel to drive the second BMW Sauber F1.07 (car number 10) alongside Nick Heidfeld.

Sebastian Vettel at BMW for seatfitting

For Sebastian Vettel this will be his Formula One race debut. "Of course, I am looking forward to my first F1 race", the 19-year old German said, "but I wish it had come under different circumstances. It's never nice if a team mate can't drive because he had an accident. For me the Indianapolis Speedway is unknown territory, but I have prepared myself for this situation and tomorrow I have two 90 minute practice sessions. I know the car very well as I have quite a lot of testing miles under my belt."

BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen: "In reviewing the accident and medical examination the doctors did not give Robert the green light to race. There will be another medical check before the race in Magny-Cours. Although the doctors see Robert in a remarkably good condition they will not let him race here mainly because of the risk of another impact. We respect the decision of the medical personnel. The team was prepared for this situation. Sebastian will receive all possible support from us and we hope for another good race here."

Indianapolis (USA). The BMW Sauber F1 Team scored one point in the hot race in Indianapolis. Nick Heidfeld retired on lap 56 due to an hydraulic leak, while Sebastian Vettel finished his first Grand Prix in eighth position.

Sebastian Vettel: 8th
BMW Sauber F1.07-03/BMW P86/7
Fastest Lap: 1.13.862 min on lap 53 (6th fastest overall)
"It was fantastic, a lot of fun but a longer race than I ever imagined it to be. I think I am quite lucky to get away with a point as the first corner was quite tight. I had an okay start, but not a very good one. When I saw the cars were close I decided to brake just a little bit later and then caught up quickly to those in front of me. To avoid an incident I decided to cut turn two and lost a lot of places.

After that I was stuck in traffic which more or less destroyed our strategy. It is good to finish the first race and better still in the points. The car was working well. I could have been a bit quicker, but quite often I was stuck in traffic and it is extremely difficult to overtake here as the other guys are not sleeping and they know how to defend. In the end when I saw the chequered flag I was quite relieved. I am quite happy for me and the team who have done a fantastic job. I can only say thank you to all my mechanics and engineers who were supporting me."

BMW Sauber F1 Team - BMW clears the road ahead for Sebastian Vettel.
  

2003, Sebastian Vettel

Munich/Hinwil, 31st July 2007. The BMW Sauber F1 Team is allowing Sebastian Vettel to take the step into a Formula One cockpit. The 20-year-old from Heppenheim is being released to move to Scuderia Toro Rosso with immediate effect.
BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen explains: "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."

Taking over the role of reserve driver for the BMW Sauber F1 Team will be Timo Glock, who is currently a test driver. The 25-year-old from Brensbach-Wersau is championship leader in the GP2 Series and would forgo a GP2 race should he have to step into the breach for the BMW Sauber F1 Team.