Bourdais linked with Renault switch
"My team has not yet decided whether it will keep me next year," Bourdais wrote in his latest column for French sports newspaper L'Équipe. "If there comes a certain time when they have not taken a decision, it may be necessary for me to take it for myself. I am neither hopeful nor anxious."
10/10/08 (GMM) French F1 driver Sebastien Bourdais on Friday said he would be happy to race for Renault in 2009.
We reported recently that the 29-year-old, who has had a mixed rookie season with Toro Rosso in 2008, could be in the frame to switch to the French manufacturer's squad next year — despite his difficult past relationship with Renault.
"Nobody from Renault has spoken to me about it," the winner of multiple Champ Car titles told the French radio station RMC.
"It is obvious that for me to race with Renault would be super, but they pay for the progressive development of a number of drivers, so I don't know."
Bourdais is referring to the fact that, according to paddock gossip, Renault-backed youngsters Lucas di Grassi and Romain Grosjean are more strongly linked with a seat at the Enstone based team.
Bourdais said: "If they are thinking of me, all the better. I am completely available, and I will be there if they need me."
He is also hoping to be retained by Toro Rosso for a second season in 2009.
"I will be judged on the whole of the season, not just on one good race. For the moment, I think it is a little bit complicated.
"If there comes a certain time when they have not taken a decision, it may be necessary for me to take it for myself. I am neither hopeful nor anxious," Bourdais said.
10/02/08
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| Sebastien Bourdais (L) has been overshadowed by his younger STR teammate Sebastian Vettel (R) |
(GMM) Sebastien Bourdais could be in the frame to remain in formula one next year by switching teams.
The French radio station RMC reports that the 29-year-old rookie, who has had a difficult season in 2008 since moving from Champ Cars to Toro Rosso, is in with a chance of racing next year for Renault.
Given Bourdais' history with Renault, the union seems unlikely. A few years ago, bemoaning the French marque's reluctance to give him a chance in F1, Bourdais said "I know I don't belong there".
Renault's driver plans for 2009 are, however, in a state of flux. The Flavio Briatore-led squad is trying to convince Fernando Alonso to stay, while considering whether or not to keep the struggling Nelson Piquet as his teammate.
Brazil's Lucas di Grassi is a candidate, but so too is another Renault test driver and GP2 competitor, the Swiss-French 22-year-old Romain Grosjean.
Frenchman Denis Chevrier, Renault's F1 engine chief, told a Spanish newspaper that he hopes Alonso stays for 2009.
Referring to the former double world champion's Singapore win, he told Marca: "75 per cent of it was down to Fernando, who drove flawlessly, brilliantly.
"I really hope he stays because there are very few drivers like him. He is very important to us, especially for next year."