Liuzzi handed formula one shot

New international formula 3000 champion Vitantonio Liuzzi gets his chance to prove he deserves a seat in formula one when he tests for Sauber this month.

The Italian has romped to the last-ever F3000 crown with ease and is widely tipped to be racing in formula one next season, with Sauber and Jaguar leading the chase.

His backing from soft drinks company Red Bull ties in with both teams and he will get a chance to stake his claim for the vacant Sauber seat in testing on September 16.

Team boss Peter Sauber said: “While there have been several indications in the past showing that Vitantonio has a lot of talent, what has impressed me most is the way in which he has been dominating Formula 3000 this year.

“During this test we want to get a feeling for how he is able to apply his skills to a formula one car.”

British hopefuls Gary Paffett and Anthony Davidson may also be in line to test for Sauber in the near future after they confirmed other young drivers aside from Liuzzi are being considered.

Sauber have at least one vacant seat for next season after Giancarlo Fisichella agreed to move to Renault, while Felipe Massa has yet to be confirmed for 2005.