Germany’s Sebastian Vettel will make his Formula One racing debut in this weekend’s United States Grand Prix at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. He replaces Robert Kubica in the BMW Sauber.
Kubica crashed heavily in the Canadian Grand Prix on June 10. While he was released from the hospital the next day, the doctors, led by FIA Medical Delegate Dr. Gary Hartstein of New York and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s Director of Medical Services Dr. Geoffrey Billows, decided Kubica shouldn’t take any chances so soon after his crash in Montreal.
“Naturally I’m disappointed because I felt absolutely ready to race, ” Kubica said. “But I respect the decision. It was made because there is too much risk to let me race in this Grand Prix in case I have had another impact so soon after Montreal. I will go home now. I wish Sebastian all the best. It is good for him, and I am pretty sure he will do a good job. ”
Vettel, 19, is the test and reserve driver for BMW Sauber. He drove a third car for the team in the Friday practice session during last year’s Turkish Grand Prix.
“Of course, I am looking forward to my first F1 race, ” Vettel said, “but I wish it had come under different circumstances. It’s never nice if a teammate 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. ”
The team’s second test driver, Timo Glock, is also in Indianapolis and will be nominated as the reserve driver for this event.
“In reviewing the accident and medical examination the doctors did not give Robert the green light to race, ” said BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen. “There will be another medical check before the (French Grand Prix) race in Magny-Cours (on July 1).
“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. ”
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