Scott Speed’s presence on the 2007 grid moved closer to certainty this week, as the unconfirmed Californian appeared twice on official engagements for Toro Rosso.
Only his 2006 teammate Vitantonio Liuzzi appeared at the recent launch of the Faenza squad’s new car, with STR chiefs insisting that a contractual discussion was holding up the confirmation of an occupant for the second car.
Team co-owner Gerhard Berger, though, said 24-year-old Speed was in “pole position” to keep his race seat this year, and at the Bahrain International Airport on Tuesday the American was spotted, apparently in preparation to drive the STR2 car at the final test of the pre-season.
Even more concrete evidence of Speed’s likely 2007 tenure, meanwhile, is Toro Rosso co-owner Red Bull’s inclusion of the driver for its official pre-season film.
For the filming in Bulgaria, the only other representative for STR was Liuzzi, while Red Bull’s David Coulthard and Mark Webber travelled to the Czech Republic for their roles.
The final product will be distributed to TV companies to coincide with the start of the 2007 championship, and it will also be played in Red Bull’s motor home at the grands prix, a statement said.
GMMF1
DailyF1News.com
