De la Rosa, Villeneuve, Summerton linked to USF1
De la Rosa, McLaren's long time Spanish test driver, has also been linked in recent times with Force India and Campos.
Of F1's four new teams, Manor has signed Timo Glock, Campos has signed Bruno Senna and Lotus has signed an unnamed driver, but the only news from USF1 was a rumor linking young American Jonathan Summerton with a race debut.
Summerton, 21, wrote on his Twitter page this week: "Who says I've signed man, (I'm) just saying F1 here we come.
"I know I can do it and would be honored to drive in F1 representing America," added Summerton, who does not possess a F1 super license.
Ken Anderson told France's Auto Hebdo: "The most important thing for us is to work with drivers who have F1 experience, simply because of the decrease in test days.
"Pedro de la Rosa is on our list," he said, referring to the 38-year-old.
"His F1 experience would be a major asset for us," Anderson continued. "Our list has about 12 names on it. All are excellent drivers who could bring us a lot.
"To choose two or three of them will not be easy," he said, while the report also mentioned Jacques Villeneuve and Franck Montagny.
It was reported by the French language Rue Frontenac this week that 1997 world champion Villeneuve is in intensive training in Austria to prepare for his F1 return.
Said the French Canadian, 38: "There is nothing settled, but I like the direction things have taken.
"Do you really think I'd come here to suffer, leaving my two boys, if I did not think it was going well?" Villeneuve added.
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| Jonathan Summerton |
10/09/09 (GMM) A young American driver has revealed he has a "very good" chance of making his formula one debut with the new USF1 team next season.
Florida-born Jonathan Summerton, 21, has in the past few years raced single seaters in the European F3, Formula Atlantic, A1GP and Indy Lights series.
He has been mentioned on multiple occasions by USF1 principals Ken Anderson and Peter Windsor, and would likely be partnered at least in 2010 by an experienced non-American teammate.
Summerton's official website is titled 'The next American formula one champion', and he told the Autoweek publication that he is in daily contact with Charlotte-based USF1.
"I think my chances are very good," he said, revealing that the team wants to confirm its driver lineup within the next few weeks.
Summerton also revealed that, if he is not selected to race a USF1 car in 2010, he expects to at least be the test driver.