Formula 1 exile Scott Speed is looking to secure a drive in his native America following his acrimonious split with Toro Rosso.
The 24-year-old Californian was sacked from STR prior to the Hungarian Grand Prix after a breakdown in relations with the team's management, and fellow Red Bull protégé Sebastian Vettel was signed as his replacement.
Rather than chasing another F1 berth, Speed is hoping to land a drive in one of the major American championships - and says Red Bull boss Dietrich Mateschitz is keen to find him a seat.
"Over he past five years I have had the privilege of driving at the some of the most challenging and exciting racing circuits in the world," Speed wrote on his website.
"It did not always go the way I wanted, but Formula 1 racing has been a great experience for me and I really appreciate the support from all of my fans.
"It has made me stronger, smarter and a better racer.
"Unfortunately, Toro Rosso's decision to remove me from my racing seat prematurely has left me to consider many other new opportunities in my racing career.
"As I approach the question of 'what's next?', I wanted to begin with those who have been the most supportive of my talents and potential.
"As such, Red Bull Austria was the natural choice.
"I have had a great meeting with Dietrich Mateschitz, who became VERY excited about the possibility of my racing back in the good ol' USA.
"We will see where it leads.
"I am coming back to America on a fact-finding tour, looking at the various racing series, and talking with some of the top American teams.
"Initial interest has been positive, so I look forward to having some productive chats and finding the right fit for me."
Red Bull has a presence both in US single-seaters, where it sponsors Neel Jani's Champ Car entry, and in NASCAR's flagship Nextel Cup.
SOURCE: ITV-F1
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