Pizzonia closes in on Formula One debut
Former Skip Barber Race Series winner Antonio Pizzonia continues to be considered as the next driver for the Benetton F1 team. The buzz at this weekend’s German Grand Prix is that Benetton driver Alexander Wurz’ seat is becoming increasingly ...
Former Skip Barber Race Series winner Antonio Pizzonia continues to be considered as the next driver for the Benetton F1 team. The buzz at this weekend’s German Grand Prix is that Benetton driver Alexander Wurz’ seat is becoming increasingly tentative. Pizzonia is thought to have the inside track to replace him and may even be behind the wheel for the Grand Prix of Hungary.
The young Brazilian, currently the points leader in British F3, ran a successful test with Benetton in Spain earlier this year. He showcased his skills against veteran F1 drivers Eddie Irvine, Pedro De La Rosa and Giancarlo Fisichella. During the test, the Skip Barber trained Pizzonia turned in impressive times; third best one day and sixth best overall for the session.
Pizzonia’s other experience in a F1 car occurred last fall when he drove a 1999 spec Williams at Silverstone as part of his British Formula Renault Championship prize.
At 19 years of age, Pizzonia would become the youngest driver in Grand Prix competition, eclipsing Jensen Button of Williams-BMW, who currently holds the distinction.
- Andrew Torres
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