BMW yet to decide on Oz Friday drivers

The Swiss-based team are one of the few outfits looking to run a third driver in Friday's extended practice sessions, with them keen to give Vettel as much mileage as possible.

With teams only allowed to run two drivers in each session, it means that one of their race drivers will have to sit out half the day at least.

BMW Sauber technical director Willi Rampf has told autosport.com that the team had not yet confirmed their plans - although it was likely Vettel would only run in the first session.

"I think the current plan is that he will drive in the morning, but this plan can change," he said. "We have to discuss this with (team boss) Mario Theissen."

When asked about whether Heidfeld or Kubica will be replaced, he said: "This will be discussed tomorrow."

Although the decision to run Vettel was criticised by the race drivers at the team launch, Rampf has said he believes the decision is right because it will benefit the team as a whole.

"I think that we have to do what is best for the team overall," he explained. "The target is that Sebastian should run and get some laps in these conditions. And that is what we are planning now."