Vettel eyes full time ride for 2007
But the German squad's team principal also said in Istanbul that the Hinwil-based operation would not make a final decision until the end of the year.
08/24/06 (GMM) BMW Sauber's new 'Friday' driver, teenager Sebastian Vettel, says he has targeted a full time test role for the 2007 season.
''And as quickly as possible I want a race drive,'' the 19-year-old German was quoted as saying by 'sid' agency.
Curiously, it is understood that Vettel will steer the 'F1.06' car at the Otodrom wearing his regular Red Bull-liveried helmet, which resembles the silver and blue model worn by Christian Klien.
He also has his finger heavily taped after a nasty F3 shunt recently at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit.
Vettel, meanwhile, insisted that – even with his strong links with BMW and Red Bull – he would also consider making his grand prix debut in the future for other teams.
''If Ferrari made me an offer, I surely would not turn them down,'' he said.
He also said he was looking forward to sharing the Istanbul circuit with role-model Michael Schumacher, who incidentally is just shy of being twice Vettel's age.
''It will be the first time that I drive against him,'' Vettel said, referring to his BMW-Sauber debut on Friday.
He laughed: ''Perhaps I can even be faster than him — on Fridays it is theoretically possible, after all.''