Pantano to replace Bourdais?

UPDATE #2 Already rumored by AutoRacing1.com way back on April 23rd, new rumors in the Italian press have shed fresh doubts on the future in formula one of the sport's only French driver.

The rumors suggest that Sebastien Bourdais, who has scored one point so far in 2009 compared with his rookie teammate Sebastien Buemi's three, is on the brink of being ousted by Toro Rosso.

Giorgio Pantano

The name linked with the potentially vacant Red Bull-sponsored seat is Giorgio Pantano, who despite winning last year's GP2 championship was left without a job in the premier series for 2009.

30-year-old Italian Pantano, who actually contested most of the 2004 season for Jordan, was said to have been preparing to race in the Renault Eurocup series this year, but may now have delayed that debut.

05/03/09 We also hear that NHLR would consider running a third car at Indy for Sebastien Bourdais should he be sacked by the Toro Rosso F1 team by then.

04/23/09 According to rumors we are hearing in the F1 paddock, Sebastien Bourdais, who has been beaten handily by two straight teammates now, is at risk of losing his F1 seat and Italian GP2 ace Giorgio Pantano's name is being mentioned as a possible replacement.