BMW reiterate intention to use Vettel

Third cars have been outlawed from next year, meaning any third driver will have to take to the track in one of the two racing drivers' cars.

As reported last month, BMW are planning to run Vettel on Fridays despite the new regulations, an idea reiterated this week.

"We will take the opportunity to have the third driver in the car on Fridays," said BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen.

"It is the clear intention not to have Sebastian here merely as a reserve driver but to give him the opportunity to work through a race weekend.

"From a team perspective it is more important to have the three drivers in the game and that means the third drivers should not just be at test venues but at race weekends.

"If anything happens to the GP drivers Sebastian has to step in immediately and has to perform."

Vettel was BMW's third driver in the final races of the season. The German teenager impressed with his performances and earned a permanent drive with the team.