FUSCHL, Austria -- Scott Speed was hired to drive next
season in Formula One, making him the first American in the sport
since Michael Andretti in 1993.
The Scuderia Toro Rosso team said Tuesday that the driver from
Manteca, Calif., will join Italian Tonio Liuzzi in its two-car
effort.
"It's wonderful to be in Formula One," Speed said. "I have
dreamed of this to happen all my life."
Toro Rosso -- Red Bull in Italian -- took over Minardi at the end
of last season and will serve as the developmental team for the
established Red Bull operation.
Speed competed last season for Red Bull in GP2 -- the feeder
system for Formula One. Liuzzi scored one point driving last season
for Red Bull.
Americans have had limited success in Formula One. In 1993,
Andretti managed only a third-place finish driving for McLaren.
His father, Mario, was the most successful American in Formula
One, winning 12 times in 128 races and taking the title in 1978.
Only one other American has won the series title -- Phil Hill in
1961.
Other Americans who have made a mark include Dan Gurney, Peter
Revson, Richie Ginther and Eddie Cheever.