goes to show that winning in a us open wheel series doesn't make you an automatic winner in F1 Carol * * * * * * announced this morning on autosport - Jaime Alguersuari will become the youngest Formula 1 driver in history when he makes his debut for the Scuderia Toro Rosso team as replacement for Sebastien Bourdais at the Hungarian Grand Prix, AUTOSPORT has learned. Following a weekend of speculation about Bourdais' future, on the back of a disappointing first half to the campaign, Toro Rosso is expected to confirm within the next 48 hours that it has decided to part company with the Frenchman. And although the team has decided that reigning British F3 champion Alguersuari will be slotted into the seat alongside Sebastien Buemi, an announcement confirming the plan is not expected until after the Spaniard has finished competing in this weekend's World Series by Renault race at Le Mans. Toro Rosso has decided to give the youngster the race opportunity in spite of his lack of experience as it is the only way for him to gain experience in preparation for a full season in 2010, due to the in-season testing ban. The team has so far declined to comment on the situation. There are also suggestions that Alguersuari's step up is being eased by Spanish oil company Repsol, who are personal backers of the youngster and are poised to tie-up a deal with Toro Rosso. Alguersuari's step-up means he will make his debut at the age of 19 years and 125 days. It beats the previous record of 19 years and 182 days held by Mike Thackwell, who drove for Tyrrell in Canada 1980 - although was officially a non-starter after a first-lap red flag. The next youngest driver was Ricardo Rodriguez, who raced for Ferrari at the 1961 Italian Grand Prix aged 19 years and 208 days. Despite Alguersuari's promotion to the race seat, Sebastien Loeb remains linked with a switch to F1 with Toro Rosso once his commitments in the world rally championship are finished this season.
Not quite. That's really a report there may be an announcement sometime in the next 48 hours. Definitely trending in that direction but its still no announcement.
Yep, he will be back just like Franchitti. Don't know why these guys all leave when they are winning where they are, but grass is always greener...or not. MB
""Jaime Alguersuari today indicated that Sebastien Bourdais has in fact been ousted from his race seat at Toro Rosso Ferrari. The 19-year-old Spaniard is the favourite to replace Bourdais, whose immediate exit from the Red Bull-owned team is expected to be confirmed tomorrow. "He is 30, he has a daughter, has won four championships in the American Champ Cars, won the F3000 here in Europe and, honestly, is a highly trained driver, Alguersuari told Radio Catalunya. But it seems that this year he has not given it everything, as he should have. "I truly believe that the decision by Red Bull is just, but it is never nice to see someone taken away after half a season," Alguersuari added"" http://en.f1-live.com/f1/en/headlines/news/detail/090713153145.shtml looks like a done deal to me.
I agree. From F1 Complete (http://www.f1complete.com/content/view/13471/900/) Questioned by the French broadcaster TF1, he snapped: "Stop making me talk about this, is that clear? I am under contract. I will be in Hungary." Could very well be gone, but I find it hard to believe much of any F1 reporting these days.
Actualy it was more like "stop pissing me off with that" But we also heard Nicolas Todt his manager and he wasn't too much confident..
"goes to show that winning in a us open wheel series doesn't make you an automatic winner in F1" Or even competitive in F1. Note to all young US karters who aspire to F1: go to Europe. "Finally..." Amen. "Hello IRL" Back to the spec series to bang wheels with Strips for Cash and Dances with Taxman. Go Alguersuari!!
EXACTLY! That was the first thing I thought when I read that report. Assuming that it is true, wouldn't Red Bull be pissed that their new young driver is the one announcing this outside of an official press release? No sense kicking Bourdais while he's down; he seems like a nice enough guys (just couldn't drive at this level.)
I doubt they'd let this guy spout off unless it was somehow scripted. Maybe they chose this kid be the bearer of bad news for whatever reason?
http://www.planet-f1.com/story/0,18954,3213_5432716,00.html Alguersuari? What makes this really improbable is ... ... his first name isn't Sebastien. STR: Vettel, Bordais, Buemi, Loeb, ...
I am beginning not to like this young kid, viewing him like an arrogant young punk - he really has no business (unless it's scripted that he do this) about public comments to the like that have been appearing on websites - If I were Bourdais I'd be livid about his public comments towards me (truthful or not) - Alguersauri needs to shut up and do his work instead of creating bad first impressions.....(perhaps he'll end up with egg on his face!!!). Makes you wonder the real reason Brendon Hartley left Toro Rosso not long ago as reserve driver replaced by this kid. I think it would be funny if he is at the bottom of the grid and bottom of the results for Hungary....what goes around comes around. Make him only temporary and put Loeb in for the last race of the season. Carol this morning from just one of the sites: Not content with reportedly taking Sebastien Bourdais's race-seat, Jaime Alguersuari has hit out at the Frenchman, saying it's his own fault. According to reports, Toro Rosso will announce on Tuesday that Bourdais will be replaced by Alguersuari starting at next weekend's Hungarian GP. Alguersuari, though, reckons Bourdais has only himself to blame. "He's a very good driver," the 19-year-old Spaniard told the Associated Press. "But it looks like this year he hasn't given it his all like he's supposed to give. "I sincerely believe that Red Bull's decision is just, but it's never good to see someone taken off the team halfway through the season."
Let me see.. young, big mouth, hasn't showed anything yet in f1; rich daddy..... This guy reminds me someone...hum I wonder who...
Astonishingly rash press statements from a graduate of the red bull development machine with its tuition in PR and media handling.
All I can say is that it is mighty cheeky for this kid to make these comments when he himself hasn't paid his dues or won any major championships. IMHO has hasn't earned the right to be critical of others when he himself has no major accomplishments to his name. Bourdais may not have been F1 calibre, but his accomplishments should still be respected. This kid comes off as no more than a punk.
I would find it even funnier if he ate his words and Bourdais still had the seat in Hungary....would flush all his "credibility" straight down the toilet. Punk!
I hope that Nicholas Todt, his manager, has had some words with Red Bull/Toro Rosso about his client and the crap that the teenage punk has blabbed on the internet sites. I absolutely agree with your comments above. he he he Defamation of character might be a good starting spot....how can punky say what he did yesterday-------->>>>>>>>> (tomorrow below is really today) This was on F1 live YESTERDAY . . .Jaime Alguersuari today indicated that Sebastien Bourdais has in fact been ousted from his race seat at Toro Rosso Ferrari. The 19-year-old Spaniard is the favourite to replace Bourdais, whose immediate exit from the Red Bull-owned team is expected to be confirmed tomorrow. "He is 30, he has a daughter, has won four championships in the American Champ Cars, won the F3000 here in Europe and, honestly, is a highly trained driver,” Alguersuari told Radio Catalunya. “But it seems that this year he has not given it everything, as he should have. Carol
I think it's unfair to Bourdais for this little kid to say he hasn't given his all this season. What's he supposed to do if his car isn't good enough or setup the way he'd prefer. It's certainly not his driving abilities because the guy can drive.
