USF1 admits rookie driver lineup likely

Peter Windsor has all but confirmed speculation the new American team USF1 will field two rookies for its grand prix debut in March.

Amid constant rumours that the Charlotte based outfit will not make it to Bahrain at all, it has been reported that experienced drivers earlier linked to USF1 – including Pedro de la Rosa, Jacques Villeneuve and Alex Wurz – are no longer in the running.

Instead, the team is expected to sign a deal with the Argentine touring car driver Jose Maria Lopez, who apparently has $8m of sponsorship in tow, while Britain’s James Rossiter has also been speculatively mentioned.

Both have F1 experience limited only to some testing, and commercial backing.

Asked by F1’s official website about USF1’s approach to drivers, sporting director Windsor answered: “You could say it’s an opportunity to give two young guys with a lot of talent a chance to come on board with fresh, clean minds, grow with the team and operate within the system the team is going to work within.”

He also refused to rule out using what is traditionally known in F1 as “pay drivers”.

“All we can do is look at what is available.

“We are a start-up team so we have to look at every opportunity,” said Windsor.  “If there are companies out there that have associations with a driver because they have been supporting him for quite a while, or representing a country, or whatever, obviously we have to look at that.

“Providing the driver can do the job as well,” he added.

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