Speed could spring a surprise

Scott Speed will become the first American grand prix driver for more than a decade this weekend – and he has been tipped as an unlikely podium challenger in Bahrain.

A quirk in Formula One rules means Speed’s Scuderia Toro Rosso team are the only ones this year to use a 2005 three-litre, V10 engine.

That unit is detuned to reduce its horsepower advantage over the new 2.4-litre V8 engines, but many experts believe the old Cosworth has been given an unfair head start.

Mercedes chief Norbert Haug claims the extra power on offer from the 2005 engine could see Toro Rosso, formerly known as Minardi, take a surprise podium.

He said: “Toro Rosso have more horsepower – that is not a secret.

“It could be up to 10% more but I am not criticising that.

“They were strong in testing here and they can go for a podium here, I am convinced.

“At the end of the day the FIA said it was going to regulate this engine. They will have an advantage.

“Am I screaming and shouting? No, but if people ask me whether they have an advantage then I have to say yes.”

Speed, who graduates from GP2 and A1 Grand Prix, is preparing to fulfil a long-time dream by making his grand prix debut.

The Californian, who is the first American driver since Michael Andretti in 1993, has ambitious goals for his rookie year and is targeting points finishes.

“Certainly there is a lot of nerves starting your first grand prix,” said Speed, who partners Vitantonio Liuzzi at Toro Rosso.

“I am a bit nervous but not too much. I have been dreaming about it since I was 11 years old and drove my first go-kart. I have a sense of completion.

“We are generally aiming to score as many points as possible.”

Toro Rosso are part owned by Red Bull, prompting some to question their independence.

But Red Bull Racing boss Christian Horner is adamant the two teams are rivals like any others.

He said: “Ultimately the teams are competing against each other on a Sunday afternoon.

“While we share the same parent each teams are competitors as any other in the pit lane. We certainly intend to be ahead this weekend.”