Scoring points the goal for the American

Scott Speed has fended off speculation that he might be replaced at Toro Rosso next year by predicting that his first Formula One points will be scored in 2007.

As the partly Gerhard Berger-owned team is one of only three squads yet to officially name its next driver lineup, rumours suggest that Toro Rosso is toying with the idea of slotting Robert Doornbos alongside Vitantonio Liuzzi.

But on a visit to the US this week, Californian 23-year-old Speed told the newspaper Indianapolis Star that he was confident of becoming a points scorner next season.

Italian Liuzzi scored Faenza based STR’s sole point at the 2006 US GP.

“The best thing for us was to gain as much experience for next year when we’ll have a real opportunity to score some points on a regular basis,” Speed said.

He added that Toro Rosso was planning a new single seater for next year that will be powered by a Ferrari V8.

Speed said: “We had an incredible season, a really great year. (Except for) losing the point in Australia, I think it was a perfect first year for us.”

[GMM]

Bookmark to: