As he continues to wait to see if he will be retained by Scuderia Toro Rosso for a second consecutive season in F1 in 2009, the chances of Sébastien Bourdais finding employment back in America appear to be receding...
With no word still on his chances of retaining his seat at Scuderia Toro Rosso in Formula 1, it would appear that opportunities back in the States are also thin on the ground for Sébastien Bourdais as the 2009 campaign approaches apace.
The Frenchman is in contention with out-of-work Super Aguri refugee Takuma Sato for the remaining seat at STR alongside grand prix debutant Sébastien Buemi, with the ultimate decision expected to come down to which of the pair can bring the most cash to the small Faenza-based concern.
Bourdais has repeatedly insisted that he cannot wait forever for the Red Bull 'junior' concern to make up its mind [see separate story - click here], and it was rumoured that he was being considered as a replacement at illustrious IndyCar Series squad Penske Racing for Helio Castroneves, due in court in early March on charges of tax evasion. Now, however, it has been revealed that the Brazilian's spot will likely be taken by erstwhile KV Racing star and 2008 Long Beach winner Will Power [see separate story - click here].
There were also whispers the record-breaking, multiple former Champ Car king could rejoin forces with old team Newman Haas Lanigan Racing, with whom he claimed all four of his US titles from 2004 to 2007, but paddock experts suggest Dutchman Robert Doornbos is now the favourite for the drive.
Bourdais endured a trying maiden season in F1 in 2008, but improved considerably as the year progressed to take the fight to highly-rated young team-mate Sebastian Vettel, qualifying six times out of the last seven races inside the top ten and being unlucky to miss out on a podium finish at Spa-Francorchamps and a strong points result in Japan.
Another Indycar seat at HVM remains available for 2009.
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STR are fools for the way they have mistreated Bourdais from day one. Bourdais has all the raw talent of Mark Webber or Timo Glock and if given time to learn and grow he could be race winner. Look at how long it took Massa to get where he is. Look at how Mclaren groomed Lewis. Renault should have snatched Bourdais up, he deserves better than STR. I hope he stays in F1 long enough to prove me right.
This is perhaps the greatest drawback to the massive expense of F1 and Machiavellian political climate driving teams away from F1. I'm not a Bourdais fan, but he was making tangible improvements and deserves a spot in the top flight. Now, because Sato has more sponsorship cash, it's looking more likely that this talented young driver is going to have to sit it out.
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