BMW confirms tests for Rossi and Gutierrez

[Giuseppe F1]

http://www.grandprix.com/ns/ns21697.html


BMW confirms tests for Rossi and Gutierrez
JULY 31, 2009

Despite the announcement that it is quitting Formula 1, the BMW Sauber team is going to honour its commitment to young drivers Alexander Rossi and Esteban Gutierrez. Rossi won the Formula BMW Americas title last year and took victory in the World Final in Mexico, while Guitierrez was champion of Formula BMW Europe. It is believed that BMW may even have had some options on the young drivers or the future, but with the decision this week to quit F1 such deals are now off. The team will however run the pair in a test planned at Jerez between December 1-3.

BMW says that at the end of this year the Formula BMW Americas series will come to an end because there have not been enough support as a result of the economic crisis.

[Placid]

At least both youngsters get to ride the "Swan Song".

[Sonic]

Well that answers that question. Will Formula BMW survive? Answer: big fat no. Perhaps BMW europe will struggle on for a few more years but will most likely suffer the same fate as Formula Vauxhall and the Vauxhall juniors.

[Saint Devote]

The best formulas for drivers wanting training and experience for F1 remain F3 series [British and European] and the GP2 series [should have been called F2.

The Hungarian GP2 feature race was just superb - I enjoyed it far more than the grand prix. Nico Hulkenberg is a real find by Williams. Pity that the affirmative action driver, Nakajima will probably occupy the seat next year.