Viso to replace Jani?

By Andrew Cutler
January 20 2007

While rumors surrounding the potential occupants of STR's race seats have been plentiful as of late, little attention has been paid to the fact that the team is currently without a Friday/test driver. If GP2 driver Ernesto Viso has his way, that may soon change.

The young Venezuelan driver has confirmed that he has been in discussions with STR co-owner Gerhard Berger about taking on full-time testing duties - or maybe even more - for the Faenza squad. "We had a positive meeting," Viso said. "We discussed the various options that could present themselves along the season, not only as a Friday tester, but also anticipating the possibility of taking part in some races." PDVSA, the Venezuelan state-owned petroleum company, is reported to be offering sponsorship support in Viso's bid to join STR.

STR's previous Friday driver, Neel Jani of Switzerland, recently left the team to take up a Red Bull sponsored ride in the Champ Car series for 2007.

Viso has two years' experince in the GP2 series, and has notched victories in races at Imola and Barcelona.