Toro Rosso co-owner Gerhard Berger says he wants to see more of Sebastien Bourdais before deciding if the Frenchman is re-signed for next year. The four-time Champ Car champion is yet to be confirmed at the team for 2009, although his strong performances in the last two races - where he has qualified in the top ten - seem to have improved his chances of a new deal. Berger, however, made it clear that he wants to see more before making a decision, and he said it is not speed, but confidence, what Bourdais needs to work on. "Yes, absolutely," Berger told autosport.com when asked if he needed to see more from Bourdais before making a decision. "But it is definitely not (up to) the speed. It is just confidence." He added: "We are not in a hurry to make any decision. Let's see in Monza and then see. If he drives like here (Spa) then fine." The Austrian nonetheless admitted he was impressed by the Frenchman's performance at the Belgium Grand Prix, where Bourdais qualified in ninth and finished in seventh. "He did a great race. If he could continue like this, it would be fantastic," Berger added. Berger said he did not know what was the reason of Bourdais's upturn in form following his problems since the introduction of the STR3. "I don't know. To be fair already in Valencia he was good, the first stint wasn't good but he had a front wing problem. So, I think maybe he gets a little bit of confidence, maybe he feels the pressure. I don't know. You can say he did a fantastic race." http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/70454 He did great at Spa, and qualified well at Valencia. If he wants to keep his seat for next year, he has to keep it up. I'd rather see him keep his seat, then someone like Sato take it. So go Seabass!!!
No, because I don't think anyone else they can get in that car is going to do any better. Bourdais will continue to improve.
Well technically it's two if you count Austrailia, I think he's improving as well. Look at the options, Sato? No thanks, then Buemi who is actually younger than Vettel, give him another year in GP2, then we'll talk. Bruno Senna is probably gonna sign with another team, so who else is there? He's determined, and really appreciates his opportunity, so if he continues to go well, I think he deserves to keep his seat.
That's ridiculous. You think because Sato putted around at the back of the field the last few years, that entitles him to that seat? Sato is the same guy who was fired from Honda because of his continuous crashing and lack of pace compared to Button. He wouldn't have been in F1 any longer, if SA wasn't created just to have a Japanese driver( Sato) in F1. Just because you like him, doesn't mean he deserves the seat, nor is there any evidence or accomplishment he has, that would qualify him for the seat over Bourdais, save for a few years putting around at the back. Also, please don't use that "But he passed Alonso!!!" card, because Alonso was obviously having major problems, and spun the car like 4-5 time that race.
Agreed. Sato would be a disaster in the STR. They need to leave Bourdais alone. He's been in the car all season, it's finally coming together and next year you'll see improvement.
He needs to show over the last races of his learning season that he's made the grade and can be relied on for a creditable performance in his second season. These next few races hold the key to his future and he must know that. Second chances are rare in F1. What ever Sato's ability as a driver he comes with a lot of support from Honda. Honda's role in Super Aguri's demise has left them with a loss of face over the drivers' situations. They've been striving, behind the scenes, to discharge that obligation by finding both the ex-SA drivers alternative seats.
Sato in the STR is a crass move. Bourdais isnt 4 x IRL champion for nothing....he just needs more "seat" time and Berger should think back to his own early days in F1. "Harry Potter" is no slouch and having a team mate like Vettel has been a good thing for him in '08. If Sato must have a drive....the time has come for Fisichella and Barrichello to go sportscar racing or wine making, there's 2 vacant seats. With his Honda connections - I wouldnt mind seeing the pairing of Button and Marco Andretti
Fair enough, I reckon if they put one like robert doornbos in that seat or maybe anthony davidson they'll get more points imo. bourdais is very good in champcar, leave him there.
Berger claims Bourdais needs to show more confidence, but I think it's tough for drivers to be confident when the owners are constantly saying their job is not secure.
