By pitpass.com
April 14 2003

Amongst other things, Peter Sauber is known as something of a talent spotter, in Sportscars the Swiss gave Michael Schumacher and Heinz-Harald Frentzen their big breaks, while in recent years Felipe Massa and Kimi Raikkonen are just two more of his awesome discoveries. Now the Swiss outfit may well have done it again with the news that Swiss rookie Neel Jani (19), has been signed as test driver, the first time Sauber has had an official test driver for several seasons.

As early as Tuesday and Wednesday of next week, Jani will have the opportunity to familiarise himself with the C22 and its electronic systems in a so-called straight-line test (for aerodynamic measurements) on the test track in Vairano, Italy.

Team Principal Peter Sauber comments "Having watched Neel Jani's career for quite some time, I got to know him better last year. There's no doubt that Neel has a lot of talent, and I feel that the time has come to give him this chance."

Contesting in the international Formula Renault V6 in the team of Andreas Jenzer this year, the 19-year-old Swiss won the first two races in Barcelona a little more than a week ago. This new championship features cars with advanced technology, including semi-automatic gearboxes with paddle-activated gearshifts.

"Every young racer sets his sights on Formula One, and thus being test driver for Sauber Petronas represents a unique opportunity for me. Being given this chance by the Swiss Formula One team, to me, has a very special meaning," Neel Jani says, expressing his delight about his new prospects.

Jani had attracted attention last year when he barely missed winning the Formula Renault EuroTrophy Championship title. "I was particularly impressed by the way he clinched pole position in the final race under great pressure, then dominating the race as well as driving the fastest lap. To me, this shows that he also possesses the mental strength that is necessary for being successful in this sport," says Sauber.

This article was written by pitpass.com and is used with permission.