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BMW Sauber have confirmed that third driver Sebastian Vettel will play an active role in the team’s Friday practice plans for 2007. Although third cars are not permitted next season, teams will be allowed to use three drivers for the Friday sessions.

“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,” BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen told the team’s official website. “If anything happens to the GP drivers Sebastian has to step in immediately and has to perform.”

Friday’s two practice sessions are being lengthened next season, from the current 60 minutes to 90 minutes. Combined with stricter testing limits away from races, the move should ensure even more action for fans attending Grands Prix, as teams seek to make maximum use of the valuable track time.