Robert Doornbos’ manager has downplayed suggestions that the Dutchman’s intention to race in Champ Car this year could cost him the spot as Red Bull’s main tester.
Media speculation asserts that German rookie Michael Ammermuller is front of the queue to inherit the full time role as the Austrian squad’s reserve driver at grands prix, but Marco Zecchi insists it isn’t so.
“Ammermuller is only going to do the shakedowns,” Doornbos’ manager told the magazine Formule 1 RaceReport. “The real kilometres will be done by (David) Coulthard, (Mark) Webber and Robert.”
Doornbos, 25, has already been confirmed as Red Bull’s main tester but he is yet to pen a Champ Car race deal. His duel role in 2007 does, however, mean that Ammermuller is likely to become Red Bull’s GP reserve when Doornbos is unavailable.
Doornbos is tipped to race in the American open wheeler series for either Forsythe or Paul Stoddart’s Minardi Team USA.
Zecchi said a contract could be signed by next week.
GMMF1
DailyF1News.com
