By BMW Sauber F1 Team
September 17 2006

In the Friday practice sessions of the Italian Grand Prix weekend, Sebastian Vettel set the fastest laps for the second and third time in his extremely short Formula One career. However, it's mainly the team result he focuses on. "I have fun and the car is fantastic. I just enjoy driving it," says Sebastian. With three fastest lap times from four practice sessions - the young German's 'balance-sheet' looks truly impressive.

However, for Sebastian his own result is far less important than the team's performance. "Obviously, it's my main priority to gather the most data possible, thus making our other drivers' lives easier during the weekend," he adds. "To be a part of Formula One in addition to contesting the Formula 3 season is just great - it just couldn't be better."

Sebastian's description of his programme during a Grand Prix weekend: "The programme contains the simulation of a full race weekend. Therefore, there are periods when you set faster laps and others when you set slower ones." That he also succeeds in securing great results while carrying out his tasks represents the icing on the cake for the young gun.


For Sebastian Vettel, a dream came true when he was appointed the BMW Sauber F1 Team's Friday test driver for the Turkish and Italian Grands Prix. The team is happy with the young gun's performances, and Sebastian is delighted with his unique experience at the pinnacle of motor racing.

"It's just big fun," says the German. "I don't think a lot about what's going on, I just enjoy having the chance of driving such a fast car. At this moment, everything else is secondary. I just have fun and focus on the things I'm doing, and it seems that I'm not doing too bad."

With the remarkable performances delivered in the Friday sessions so far, Sebastian has proved that this attitude is the right one. In the four sessions contested, the 19-year-old has set three fastest lap times, thereby fully justifying the BMW Sauber F1 Team's faith in his skills.

"In the past, I never imagined that I might really make it to Formula One," adds Sebastian. "Though this used to be just my dream." Apart from his Formula One appearances, he also contests the Formula 3 Euro Series, therefore, he can't complain about gaps in his schedule. "After the race in Turkey I travelled straight to Monza and then on to Zandvoort for the Formula 3 event," reveals the young gun. "Then, at the beginning of the following week, I was testing at Le Mans before travelling back to Monza."