The season is over (and what a season it was) and testing has already begun for the next tour of tracks. Many of the F1 teams found themselves in Barcelona for three days of testing. Some teams, like BMW Sauber, were trying out the new Aero Package. Others, like Honda, were testing the new package against the 2008 set-up, along with testing drivers to fill out roster spots.
And that brings us to the title of this entry: Bored with Bourdais?
Sebastien Bourdais handled the wheel for Scuderia Toro Rosso last season, teaming with Sebastian Vettel to create one of the most intriguing storylines of the '08 campaign. No other team did more with less than Scuderia Toro Rosso. Halfway through the 2008 season Sebastian Vettel had 5 points. At the season's end he'd tacked on 30 more, impressive for a rookie on a "B" team, although they'd never call themselves the "B" team to Red Bull. Toro Rosso beat the crap out of Mark Webber and David Coulthard throughout the season. Vettel even won at Monza, which is no easy feat.
But his counterpart on Scuderia Toro Rosso, Sebastien Bourdais, failed to make the waves that Vettel did. Bourdais's background counts him as one of the most successful drivers ever in the Champ Car Series. He entered the Champ Car series in 2003, claiming the pole in the first race he ever competed in. During his Champ Car run, he won the Championship in 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007, scoring 31 wins and 39 podium finishes in 72 races.
In August of 2007, Scuderia Toro Rosso announced that Bourdais would be one of their drivers in 2008 (pictured above at the 2008 Canadian Grand Prix). Admittedly, this seems a little early to be announcing a driver lineup, but then again, Bourdais had dominated the Champ Car series. Plus, this was a huge gamble for Bourdais, as his Champ Car career was flying high. But I think, if given the same chance, I'd probably jump at an F1 ride myself.
Flaws by both team and driver marked an otherwise average first season in F1, the high point being that, although he finished a lap behind Sebastian Vettel at Monza, Bourdais did set fast lap at the Italian track.
Now, roughly a month after the end of the season, and with testing underway at Barcelona, Sebastien Bourdais stands as a man without a ride. The Official Formula 1 website has an interesting interview with the French driver. Initial reports said that Bourdais's deal with Scuderia Toro Rosso was only a one year deal, but Bourdais himself admits that the contract was for three seasons, but he also admits that every contract has a line allowing the employer to get rid of you if they aren't happy with your performance.
I earnestly hope that Bourdais is driving for Toro Rosso next year. Sebastian Vettel garnered a lot of attention this season, and not just from fans. Rumors ran rampant throughout the paddock that Vettel was getting more of Scuderia Toro Rosso's attention (and money) than Bourdais was. Part owner, and former F1 driver, Gerhard Berger has yet to either confirm or deny this rumor.
I think that one more season, with the attention now on his car (Vettel is jumping to Team Red Bull) Bourdais should appear far more impressive, and could be a contender week in and week out. Especially with the rumors flying about who is teammate could be (we're hearing everything from Bruno Senna to Rubens Barrichello to Pedro de la Rosa).
And if we have to start a petition to keep Bourdais in a Scuderia Toro Rosso, then we just might. I hope you're listening, Gerhard Berger and Toro Rosso:
Keep Sebastien Bourdais!
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