Vettel to replace Kubica at Indy

By BMW Sauber F1 Team
June 15 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.

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."

The team's second test driver, Timo Glock, is also in Indianapolis and will now be nominated as the reserve driver.

Robert Kubica commented after the decision: "Naturally I'm disappointed because I felt absolutely ready to race. 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 Montréal. 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."

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."

Biography of Sebastian Vettel

Date of birth 03.07.1987

Place of birth Heppenheim/Germany

Nationality German

Residence Zug, Switzerland

Marital status Single

Height 1.76 m

Weight 62 kg

F1 debut 2006, Istanbul (as Friday test driver) GP starts

Career: Karting from 1995 2001   Winner European Junior Kart Championship; winner German Junior Kart Championship; winner Monaco Junior Kart Cup; winner Kart Paris-Bercy 2002 6th place European Championship ICA Senior 2003 2nd place Formula BMW ADAC Championship, rookie champion 2004 Winner Formula BMW ADAC Championship,   18 wins from 20 races, 15 pole positions,   16 fastest race laps 2005 5th place Formula 3 Euro Series,   rookie champion, 6 podium places; first Formula One test with BMW in Jerez 2006 2nd place Formula 3 Euro Series, three wins; second Formula One test with BMW in Jerez; Friday test and reserve driver for the BMW Sauber F1 Team as of the Turkish GP 2007   Current championship leader of World Series by Renault by eight points, one win in three races; test and reserve driver for the BMW Sauber F1 Team.