The Swiss rookie talent Neel Jani has signed a test driver contract with the team SAUBER PETRONAS in April 2003. The 19-year-old contested in the international Formula Renault V6 in the team of Andreas Jenzer in 2003. This new championship features cars with advanced technology, including semi-automatic gearboxes with paddle-activated gearshifts.

Jani had attracted attention in 2002 when he barely missed winning the Formula Renault EuroTrophy Championship title. "I was particularly impressed by the way he clinched pole position in the final race under great pressure, then dominating the race as well as driving the fastest lap. To me, this shows that he also possesses the mental strength that is necessary for being successful in this sport," says Peter Sauber.

"Every young racer sets his sights on Formula One, and thus being test driver for SAUBER PETRONAS represents a unique opportunity for me. Being given this chance by the Swiss Formula One team, to me, has a very special meaning," Neel Jani said, expressing his delight about his new prospects.

Date of birth: 8 December 1983
Place of birth: Rorschach SG (Switzerland)
Height: 1.72 m
Weight: 58 kg
Marital status: Single
Website: www.neel-jani.com


Racing Career
1989: First Go-Kart

1996-1999: Swiss and International Go-Kart Championship

1998: Formula Ford test in the course of the LISTA motor sport support programme

2000: Swiss Formula Arcobaleno Championship - 8 victories, 4 vice victories, three races in the French Formula Renault

2001: Formula Renault European Championship

2002: Formula Renault European Championship - Vice Champion

2003: International Formula Renault V6 - 4 victories, 3 second places, 5 third places in 18 races, Formula 1 test driver with Team SAUBER PETRONAS

2004: Formula 1 test driver with Team SAUBER PETRONAS