Having tested with Scuderia Toro Rosso over the winter, reports in America suggest that the former Renault protoge could be in line for a second outing in July, as manager Nicolas Todt pushes for his inclusion in the top flight next season.
Speculation suggested that Toro Rosso was interested in taking Bourdais for 2007 after he impressed over three days at Jerez - running less than two seconds from pacesetter Lewis Hamilton despite no recent F1 experience - but the Frenchman was tied to the final year of his Champ Car contract with Newman/Haas. However, with that deal coming to an end, Todt is understood to be pushing his client's candidature for a ride in F1 although many believe Bourdais' ship to have sailed, having been passed over by the likes of Renault and Williams in past seasons. Indeed, the Frenchman went as far as officially turning his back on F1 just over a year ago, before relenting in order to accept the Toro Rosso test.Yes, Nicolas Todt is Ferrari boss Jean Todt's son. As my wife has said, and I agree, Sebastian Bourdais is way too normal to function well in Formula One. I may be wrong but... Bourdais has won the Champ Car title three times. He could win this year if he wants to. The Newman-Hass-Lanigan team is clearly the strongest, most focused team in Champ Car. Bourdais fits in well there because he's surrounded by purpose-driven, well-adjusted, clean living winners.
If Bourdais goes to Formula One, two things may happen. One he will be surrounded by whiny, egotistical, finger-pointers and will be corrupted by it. Or two, he will continue to be his honest, hard working self and will become frustrated by the lack of teamwork and focus and will resign after a couple of seasons. I like Bourdais. I like him so much that I don't want to see him ruined by the corrosive atmosphere of F1.
Credit Yahoo F1 for the quote.