Bourdais hoping for F1 revolution

Testing times always carry with them a degree of variables, but on the first outing for the Toro Rosso's latest challenger, the STR4, there was a strong degree of optimism among the Faenza-based squad.

Bourdais can perhaps count himself fortunate to have been given a second chance with the team after a debut season in which he found himself completely overshadowed by Sebastian Vettel.

There were rumours over the winter he was considering a return to the United States where he primarily made his name after winning the ChampCar title for four successive years before switching to F1.

Bourdais today confirmed it was an option, but then team principal Franz Tost has stated the Frenchman was always at the front of the queue, eventually signing a new contract in January.

Now entering his second year, and with a rookie in Sebastien Buemi as his team-mate, Bourdais will be expected to take a leading role in helping Toro Rosso develop.

Although they are the last team to unveil their car, the new rules could play into their hands if they have made the right choices.

Bourdais, speaking on the first day of the final group test at Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya, certainly feels the fans might just be surprised by what unfolds this season.

"It's always true that when you change regulations everybody has their philosophy about designing cars," said Bourdais.

"Some philosophies are right, some are not so right, and some are completely wrong.

"These days designers and aerodynamicists seem to know what they have to do better than in the past as there are a lot of computer models and technical tools to get it right.

"But there is still room to make mistakes, and even the big boys are not safe.

"Potentially it could move the grid upside down a little bit, and hopefully we can move towards the front.

"As far as I'm concerned changes are good as it motivates the fans, for them to see it is not a completely defined order, and to spice things up a bit."

Tost feels Bourdais has the ideal opportunity to prove himself this year, in particular with Vettel out of the picture.

"Vettel was a bit of an issue," confirmed Tost.
"If you come to a team as an experienced driver, it's not easy if you have a young driver as a team-mate who is very fast.

"There was also the change from ChampCar to a Formula One car. They are very different, in particular as he went from grooved tyres to slicks.

"Sebastien still did a good job last year, and I am quite convinced if he can get everything together then he will do a good job this year. It is the reason why he is with us."

Toro Rosso are certainly putting their faith in Bourdais as the 30-year-old today confirmed in signing the new contract he failed to bring with him a significant sponsor.

As for Buemi, he believes he has fought against the odds to claim a place on the grid this year.
When the new season starts in Australia on March 29, Buemi will become the first Swiss driver to compete in the elite of motorsport since Jean-Denis Deletraz in 1995.

"There are many drivers in Switzerland who have tried to get to F1, but it is really difficult," revealed Buemi.

"You don't get much support from the people there, but at least for the young people trying to get into F1, they can at least see it is possible.

"It means people will push harder because in Switzerland there is a lot of passion, and this is quite important.

"I know I can say I'm proud to be representing my country in F1 this year."