Toro Rosso: Buemi aims higher

Sébastien Buemi will he be at Toro Rosso in 2011 ? Nothing is less sure. Certainly, Franz tost, team manager of the Faenza team, confided that his two drivers were confirmed for 2011. If the news is excellent for Jaime Alguersuari, who is still young and has only one year of experience in F1 (he replaced Sébastien Bourdais in July 2009), it is less so for the Swiss. Indeed, the latter, after two seasons in one of the most modest stables on the plateau, wants to change his status. And, so as not to be considered a “established” pilot, he was quick to react: “ I haven't signed yet, he told Blick.ch. First there are a few details to settle, and then the transfer market remains open. »

Joining a top team is the priority for Sébastien Buemi, who has proven his competitiveness on several occasions since his arrival in F1. Track Renault is the most credible, the other big teams (Red Bull, McLaren, Ferrari, Mercedes) displaying full. In addition, the team ofenstone has put Vitaly Petrov?s future on hold, with the Russian having until the Hungarian Grand Prix to prove his worth. But an extension seems more and more hypothetical. If Petrov doesn't shine this summer, there will be a place to take.

Several pilots are in the running. In addition to the Swiss, the names of Timo Glock, Kimi Räikkönen and Adrian Sutil were mentioned. “ Some are fanciful, others are realistic because there are indeed discussions », confided to us the main Renault F1 team at Silverstone. But Sébastien Buemi's name is prominently placed in the bid to join Enstone. “ Sébastien is on our list of potential drivers for 2011. He has always had a special place in this list, because I know him well and I like him very much. », Confided Eric Boullier to the Swiss newspaper, Le Matin.

As a Toro Rosso driver, Sébastien Buemi might want to join sister team Red Bull. But the latter has two very sharp pilots, Sébastian Hag and Mark Webber, and the Swiss does not wish to reserve himself for a team which may never open its doors to him. By adopting this attitude, he could miss his chance. The place to take at Renault F1 is therefore his best option.

Serious, diligent, Buemi could therefore move from Faenza to Enstone. In addition to joining one of the best teams, the Swiss driver would find another advantage: being able to compete against a big name on the grid, Robert Kubica. Considered one of the best F1 drivers, Kubica is also very involved in the evolution and progression of his car. Who better than the Pole to support Sébastien Buemi in his progress? This question will be answered in the coming weeks and could allow the Swiss to permanently change his status.