Scott Speed is making his F1 debut in 2006 because he has a cool name, a convenient nationality, and a certain energy drink-backer.
That is the claim of Nelson Piquet Jr, the GP2 driver who has missed out on a F1 opportunity this year despite '05 rivals Speed, Nico Rosberg and Heikki Kovalainen all making the coveted step.
23-year-old Speed, from California, will debut for his sponsor Red Bull's junior 'Scuderia Toro Rosso' team in 2006.
But Piquet, with the same name as his world championship-winning father, told Speed TV: 'Speed got in more because ... he's American and his last name is 'Speed', than for what he did on the track.'
Piquet's father said recently that, despite some contact with Formula One teams and tests for Williams and BAR, 'Nelsinho' must win the junior GP2 title in order to truly woo the circus' fraternity.
The 20-year-old, who struggled in the category last year and will return in 2006, agreed: 'I'm completely focused on having a perfect year to earn my way into (F1).
'Without being at least second in the championship,' the Brazilian added, 'that will be very difficult.'
(c)
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I don't really like Scott Speed and I love Nelsinho to bits, but....bitter much?
This and his father's recent interview won't do much to impress potential employers... What if Nelson won't take any of top three places by the end of the season 2006? He should be more careful for his own future's sake, although..... Well said, Nelsinho!! 