Vettel awaits BMW release for Speed’s seat

(GMM) Sebastian Vettel is waiting for BMW's approval as the very real prospect of his immediate switch to Toro Rosso lies on the table.

Faenza based STR's relationship with American driver Scott Speed hit rock bottom at the Nurburgring, leaving co-owner Gerhard Berger to strongly imply that BMW-Sauber test driver Vettel, who is 20, could appear in the car at the upcoming Hungarian grand prix.

Germany's Vettel is hoping for a decision within the next two days, with a test in Speed's Ferrari-powered car at Mugello to follow.

If he debuts in Hungary, a subsequent two-year contract to race with Toro Rosso is almost certain.

Berger confirmed to Auto Motor und Sport on Monday: "Vettel is a realistic alternative for us, but before he races he would need a test.

"It would not make any sense to throw him into the deep end."

But if Vettel cannot secure an immediate release from BMW, his participation in the following Istanbul round would also be unlikely, given the upcoming test break.

Auto Motor und Sport claims BMW is hesitating mainly because releasing Vettel would push the Hinwil team to clarify its own driver situation for 2008 — with GP2 frontrunner Timo Glock first in line for the primary test seat.

Glock, however, is apparently also in unfinished talks about 2008 with Williams and Toyota.